The First Moments: Skin-to-Skin, Bonding, and Breastfeeding
The first moments after birth are filled with connection, comfort, and care. This time helps your baby adjust to life outside the womb and gives you an opportunity to bond through touch, closeness, and early feeding.
The First Sixty Minutes
Your baby will be most alert in the first hour after birth, then often falls into a deep sleep. Take advantage of this special time to connect with your baby, hold them close, and, if you choose to, begin breastfeeding.
Your nurse, provider, or Birth Sister will help guide you and your baby through these early moments, ensuring you both feel comfortable and supported.
Expect to stay in your labor room for at least two hours.
What Is Skin-to-Skin?
Most babies are placed skin-to-skin right after birth. Skin-to-skin means placing your undressed baby (wearing only a diaper) directly against your bare chest and covering both of you with a warm blanket.
This special time—often called the Sacred Hour—is encouraged during the first one to two hours after birth.
Skin-to-skin time can be continued often in the days and weeks that follow.
Benefits of Skin-to-Skin
Skin-to-skin contact provides a gentle and healthy start for your baby while also strengthening your bond. It can:
- Help your baby stay warm and maintain normal blood sugar, breathing, and heart rate
- Support bonding between you and your baby
- Encourage breastfeeding by helping your body make milk and guiding your baby to find the breast naturally
- Keep your baby calm—babies held skin-to-skin often cry less
At The Hospital With Baby
