The Golden Hour

The Golden Hour, or HOURS is such a special and important time for you and your new baby. This is the first hour of your baby's life.

Your baby emerges earthside and is placed on your belly. Your nurse works to get your baby to 'pink up'. Waiting for that first newborn scream can feel like such a long time and once you hear it, it's this beautiful noise that is welcomed as your baby makes their way up to your belly and chest. Then you spend the next hour looking at your baby. Your baby rests between your breasts, and stares at you, crying and grunting as they start showing you their early hunger signs.

You and your partner will likely cry, happy tears of course, while you admire this tiny human you made.

You will talk about the baby's name, who they look like, and how many fingers and toes they have. Sometimes you'll talk about the baby's hair. The hair on their head, their eyebrows and eyelashes, and yes, even the hair on their backs and ears. Don't worry, the hair on their ears and backs will fall right off. We'll start taking guesses on how much baby weighs and how long they are as you start to sit up in a more comfortable position and prepare for baby's first latch.

I'll point out all the hunger cues, and encourage you to latch your baby when you feel comfortable while reminding you that your first job as a parent is to comfort your baby as they adjust to being earthside. I'll encourage you to rub their backs, hum, and pat their tiny bums because all of this provides comfort to a newborn. I'll help you position your baby on your body while pointing out what I am doing so you and your partner can replicate it later and then I'll tell you some of my tricks to get a baby to latch on deeply and easily.

I'll encourage your partner to order food because you will probably be hungry. I'll remind you to breathe each time the nurse comes in to palpitate your belly.

"You've got this." "You're doing amazing." I want you to remember these phrases as you bring your baby to your breast.

Yes, bring your baby to your breast, not your breast to your baby. You won't meet your nursing goals if your body is sore from poor posture while nursing. We'll place some pillows here to help you support your body more comfortably. Comfort is important right now and for the next several days.

Don't forget to drink plenty of water, we get grouchy when we are dehydrated. Self-care is important. Don't forget to stock your nursing station with one-handed snacks and things to drink. Refilling this station is also a good partner job.

"That is a beautiful latch! You're a pro already! Do you think you are ready to get cleaned up, get some food in your tummy, and find out how much this peanut weighs? Yes, I'm so excited too. Would you like me to stay by your bedside or would you like me to take pictures at the warmer? You made such a precious baby, I am so proud of you."

Image: a newborn baby laying on a bed. A midwife is holding the baby's feet with gloved hands and the baby is looking to the side with their eyes closed while laying on their back. photo credit: Lem and June

As a doula, I witness and participate in these sweet intimate moments. I try to take the pictures so you can remember this time later, and remind you how amazing you and your body are. Because you did that, you birthed a human. I am honored to be in this space with you.