The first hour after birth when a mother has uninterrupted skin to skin contact with the new born is referred to as the “GOLDEN HOUR” in breastfeeding.

The first hour after birth is crucial for a new born baby who spent the past nine months in a controlled environment.

The Golden Hour in breastfeeding helps in :

• Regulating the baby’s temperature
• Helps control the respiration
• Helps in lowering the risk of low blood sugar
• It protects the baby’s gut against infection as colostrum is rich in anti-infective properties
• It promotes bonding between the baby and mother and helps for the milk to “come-in”
• Decreases new born stress levels

What is Breast Crawl in Golden Hour breastfeeding?

When a new born baby is placed on the mother’s chest , the baby starts crawling towards the breast finds them and starts latching and suckling this is called “Breast Crawl”

• Barring any complication or premature delivery almost all babies are capable of doing breast crawl and start suckling within 20 minutes to 1 hour

• Skin to skin contact can promote bonding between mother and baby
• Thus the first hour after birth is called the golden hour.

When baby does breast crawl :

• Baby can hear the mother’s heartbeat while lying on the mother’s body , as it is the most familiar sound for the baby
• Baby can touch the mother and find warmth
• The smell on the hands of the baby guides them to the breast as it has a similar smell of the amniotic fluid.

Stages of Golden Hour :

• Birth cry - 0 minutes
• Relaxation - 0-3 minutes
• Awakening - 3 minutes
• Activity - 8 minutes
• Throughout rest
• Crawling - 35 minutes
• Familiarization - 45 minutes
• Suckling - 60 minutes
• Sleeping

Dr.Bhavini Dhar PT
Lactation Consultant

Dr.Bhavini Dhar PT has expertise in Women's Healthcare as well as she is an excellent Lactation Consultant.

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