The first hours after birth are often called the Golden Hour — a special period where your body and your baby work together to stabilize, connect, and recover. During this time, several important physiological and emotional processes happen, and the healthcare team aims to keep the environment calm and uninterrupted to give you both the best possible start.

When your baby is placed skin-to-skin on your chest, their breathing, temperature, and heart rate stabilize more easily. Skin-to-skin also helps your baby recognize your scent and voice, creating a sense of safety after birth. At the same time, your body releases oxytocin, the hormone that supports bonding and helps the uterus contract to reduce bleeding.

Most babies begin to show feeding cues within the first hour and may move toward the breast on their own in what is known as the breast crawl. Many first feeds happen naturally during this time. If you decide not to breastfeed or cannot do so immediately, skin-to-skin is still equally valuable.

During the Golden Hour, your midwife checks that you’re well, that your bleeding is normal, and that the placenta has been delivered. You are given time to rest, breathe, and take in what just happened. This is a moment where you do not need to do anything — simply be with your baby.

🌿 Alma’s tips 

• Keep your baby skin-to-skin as much as possible in the beginning.

• Focus on calm, warmth, and closeness — practical tasks can wait.

• Let your midwife know if you feel dizzy, uncomfortable, or worried — your well-being matters just as much after the birth.