The Golden Hour -After Birth

The "Golden Hour" after birth refers to the first hour following a baby's birth, which is considered a critical time for the newborn and the mother. During this period, several important practices take place:

1.Skin-to-Skin Contact: The baby is placed directly on the mother's chest, skin-to-skin. This helps regulate the baby's temperature, heart rate, and breathing, and promotes bonding between the mother and child.

2. Breastfeeding Initiation: The baby is often encouraged to breastfeed during this hour. Early breastfeeding helps stimulate the mother's milk production and provides the baby with colostrum, which is rich in nutrients and antibodies.

3. Bonding: The emotional connection between the mother and baby is nurtured during this time. It’s an intimate moment that can help foster a strong bond.

4. Health Assessments: Medical staff might perform initial health checks on the baby, including the APGAR score, but these are usually done in a way that allows the baby to stay close to the mother.

The Golden Hour is a time focused on the well-being of both the baby and the mother, setting the stage for a positive start to life outside the womb.