You know those songs you fall in love with the moment you hear it for the very first time?
Golden hour by JVKE is one of those songs for me.
I’m guessing it has to do with the fact that it reminds me of THE golden hour, (no, not photography. The OTHER golden hour. 😉
Ok, I’m not even guessing. I KNOW that’s why I love the song.
Are you new to the concept of the Golden Hour? Let’s talk about it!
The Golden Hour
What is the Golden Hour?
The golden hour is generally recognized as at least the first hour after your baby’s birth, but ideally after your baby’s first feeding.
*Your baby, (as long as no other interventions are necessary) should be placed on your belly or chest immediately after birth. They should stay there on your belly or chest, with skin-to-skin contact, until the baby’s first feeding.
*All tests, assessments, vaccinations, ointments, etc should wait until after the first feeding is completed.
Why is the Golden Hour Important?
*Skin-to-skin contact with a parent helps your baby’s transition from the womb to outside life. Skin-to-skin contact helps your baby regulate its temperature, heart rate, and breathing. It also helps stabilize their blood sugar (if you’re able to feed your baby breastmilk during this time).Â
*Facilitates bonding between you and your baby.
*Helps encourage your baby’s first latch and feeding for breastfeeding, if desired, particularly before your baby becomes sleepy.
Can we still achieve the benefits of the Golden Hour if I’m unable to hold my baby immediately after birth?Â
*Yes! Your baby will benefit from skin-to-skin contact with your partner. Skin-to-skin contact with your partner can also help regulate your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
*Even if you and/or your partner are not able to hold your baby immediately after birth, there are still many benefits from skin-to-skin contact as soon as you can be reunited.
“I don’t need no light to see you Shine, it’s your golden hour”. (“The Golden Hour” by JVKE)
Shine on during that Golden Hour!
