The Newborn Golden Hour: Why This First Moment Matters More Than We Realise

The first hour after birth—often called the “golden hour”—is a uniquely sensitive window that carries significant physiological and emotional benefits for both mother and baby. Although it is often spoken about in emotional or sentimental terms, the golden hour is firmly grounded in evidence-based practice and supported by decades of neonatal, obstetric, and psychological research.

Clinically, the golden hour refers to uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact immediately following birth, wherever medically safe for both mother and baby. This practice is recognised across global health organisations—including WHO, UNICEF, and Baby Friendly initiatives—as a key component of optimal newborn and maternal care.

Why the Golden Hour Matters for Babies

Supports physiological stability

Skin-to-skin contact helps newborns regulate their temperature, blood sugar, heart rate, and breathing, supporting a smoother transition into the outside world.

Promotes early feeding cues and breastfeeding success

Many newborns enter a natural “quiet alert” phase shortly after birth. During this time, they show instinctive rooting and sucking behaviours, which support early latch and stimulate milk production.

Reduces stress levels

Skin-to-skin contact lowers cortisol levels, helping babies feel calmer and more settled during their first experiences of feeding and being handled.

Why the Golden Hour Matters for Mothers

Enhances oxytocin and uterine recovery

Skin-to-skin increases maternal oxytocin levels, supporting effective uterine contractions and helping to reduce the risk of excessive postpartum bleeding.

Strengthens bonding and attachment

Early uninterrupted contact helps build long-term attachment security and enhances maternal confidence in reading and responding to baby’s cues.

Supports emotional wellbeing

While not a treatment for postpartum depression or anxiety, early bonding and feeding confidence are associated with lower stress and improved emotional adjustment in the early postnatal period.

What If My Birth Is More Medicalised?

Many parents worry that induction, epidural use, instrumental birth, or caesarean birth may affect their ability to experience the golden hour.

With the right planning, communication, and appropriate clinical support, the principles of the golden hour can usually be adapted—even in medicalised or complex births—when it is safe for mother and baby.

This may include:

• Modified skin-to-skin in theatre

• Partner skin-to-skin when mother needs additional care

• Delaying non-urgent assessments where appropriate

• Protecting uninterrupted bonding time shortly after birth

Understanding your options in advance helps ensure your golden hour can be honoured without compromising clinical care.

Maximising Your Golden Hour Experience

In our antenatal course, we help parents learn how to:

• Advocate for uninterrupted skin-to-skin

• Communicate preferences clearly with their clinical team

• Adapt the golden hour for surgical or high-intervention births

• Support early feeding cues and effective early latch

• Create a calm, low-stimulation birthing environment

• Set realistic expectations for different birth scenarios

Preparation is one of the most effective ways to protect this important moment.

Final Thoughts

The golden hour is far more than a sentimental tradition. It is a powerful, evidence-based practice that supports newborn stability, maternal recovery, early feeding confidence, and long-term connection. Every birth is unique, but with the right knowledge and preparation, most families can benefit deeply from this precious time.

Want Support Preparing for Your Golden Hour?

If you’d like to understand how to protect and personalise your golden hour—even in a medicalised birth:

👉 Book a COMPLIMENTARY discovery call to explore our antenatal course

We’re here to help you feel informed, empowered, and ready for the moments that matter most.