Did you know that for the first few days after your baby’s birth, your body will produce colostrum, nutrient-rich milk which is very healthy for your baby? The first 60 minutes for the baby can make the bond better between the infant and the mother. In other words, this golden hour of breastfeeding is the first hour after birth, the baby and the time spent between the mother and baby for breastfeeding. This magical hour is meant for continuous, uninterrupted, skin to skin contact between the mother and her newborn baby ultimately culminating in the first breastfeeding.
How to practice the golden hour after birth?
As soon as the baby is born, the baby should be placed on the mother’s abdomen. Examination of the baby can be done while the baby is placed on the mother’s abdomen. The baby should be monitored and assisted as required during the entire golden hour. In a caesarean section, the baby can be placed close to the mother’s breasts instead of the abdomen. When the baby eventually begins to crawl towards the breasts, the gentle kicking of the baby will help for the expulsion of the placenta. Once the baby has reached the breasts and shows signs of rooting, if required, the baby can be assisted for latching. During the entire golden hour, mother and baby should be covered with a warm blanket. It’s important that the mother and baby should not be disturbed during their first magical embrace.
Breastfeeding is as old as humankind. It is universally acknowledged to be the best and complete food for infants as it fulfils specific nutritional needs Extensive research in the recent years, have showcased compelling advantages of breastfeeding to infants, mothers, families and society. These also include nutritional, immunological, developmental, psychological, social, economic and environmental benefits.
There are 9 innate and instinctive stages displayed by the baby in the first hour:
Stage 1: The Birth Cry: This distinctive cry occurs immediately after birth as the baby’s lungs expand.
Stage 2: Relaxation: There is no mouth movement, and hands are relaxed of the infant. This stage starts after the baby has stopped crying after birth.
Stage 3: Awakening: This stage witnesses the baby, making head and shoulder thrusts. The infant may also open their eye.
Stage 4: Activity: There is sucking movement and mouthing in a more obvious way. This starts after 8 minutes of the birth.
Stage 5: Rest: Stage five is all about the infant resting in between showing some movements too.
Stage 6: Crawling: This phase has to baby approaching the breast. Starting after 35 minutes of birth, this stage is the start of breastfeeding.
Stage 7: Familiarization: In this stage, the baby becomes familiar with the mother’s nipple with the help of touch and feel.
Stage 8: Suckling: During this stage, the newborn suckles, which is the initial phase of breastfeeding. This begins after an hour of birth.
Stage 9: Sleep The final stage is sleep, where the infant falls asleep after 1½ to 2 hours after birth.
Also Read: Improper Breastfeeding Knowledge, Lack Of Calcium Can Lead To Backaches, Explains This Expert
But, what why should one practice the golden hour of breastfeeding? Listed below benefits of breastfeeding the infant in the golden hour, explained by Ruth Patterson, Chief Lactation Consultant, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru
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- Baby-led attachment and breastfeeding.
- Helps to keep the baby warm
- Promotes delayed cord clamping
- Promotes mother and baby attachment
- Improves breastfeeding success rates
- Protects against effects of separation
- Helps to boost immunity
- Helps to deliver the placenta
Watch: Common breastfeeding issues faced by new mothers:
There is a reason when we say that breastfeeding connects the infant and the mother right after a few seconds of the birth. But, there are many women who cannot breastfeed their kids due to various reasons. Hence, in such cases, one must consult a doctor or lactation expert to know the root cause behind it. But, this breastfeeding week 2020, ensure that by breastfeeding the child, you are giving the infant necessary nutrients for a healthy life ahead.
With inputs from Ruth Patterson, Chief Lactation Consultant, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru
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