The minute you hear the newborn crying, this is like a “Trophy-winning” moment for you. After all, from being a dad-to-be you’ve become a proud father today.
Then comes “the Golden Hour” of your life. You start laying the foundation of love, care, and bonding when the nurse puts the blanket-covered baby in your arms at this hour. You’ve started enjoying the benefits of skin-to-skin contact with them immediately. Along with this, slowly you’re trying to make eye contact with them too to know each other better and bond well.
But that’s not all. You have a lot to gain from this hour.
How the New Dads Enjoy the Benefits of “the Golden Hour”
“The Golden Hour” is the first 30 minutes that you’ll get after your child’s birth. This is the uninterrupted daddy-baby moment. A moment of sheer bliss, and joy. You wouldn’t be able to imagine just how much you’re going to get out this hour.
You are Very Happy and Feel Like at the top of the World
Indeed, it is a Cloud 9 moment for you. You’ve started taking photos of the newborn and have started announcing to the rest of the world that you have become a father.
You’re Skin-to-skin and Feel Well-bonded
A moment of special bonding between you and your little one has begun already. It is further enhanced when the hospital staff puts the baby covered in a warm blanket in your arms, and you enjoy uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact with them. The “oxytocin” or love hormones in between you and your baby have started releasing. Moreover, a sensitive, caring, and emotional approach toward your baby thus begins by snuggling, cuddling, and embracing the baby endlessly.
You’ll Enjoy a Calming Effect
It’s natural for you to feel slightly nervous while you hold your little one for the very first time, during “The Golden Hour”. But, with the baby in your arms, you’ll feel much better and boosted. Simultaneously, you’ll feel less stressed out, as your cortisol (stress) hormones have started declining. Additionally, the newborn’s smile and coos can make you feel much better from the inside and can have a calming effect on you.
Feeling Protective About the Baby
The father-baby contact fosters a close relationship between the both of you and hastens the attachment. You start showing your responsibility from this hour. With your baby in your arms, you’re making them feel that they have nothing to worry about when their dad is with them.
Understanding the baby’s cues is fun! The newborn cries, smiles, and gurgles are the ways to communicate with you. Initially, understanding the baby’s cues can be a little difficult. However, the hospital staff is going to help you with them. Having said that, understanding your baby’s body language can be helpful to you when you’re back at your house. Maybe your partner is busy with the household chores or taking rest after constant feeding and taking care of the baby; you can help out the cuddly little one by understanding their language and acting upon it. Maybe by changing the diaper or giving a massage to the baby.
So, for all the first-time daddies on the block, isn’t The Golden Hour” thoroughly enjoyable and beneficial?
But, did you see that your baby too has slowly started enjoying the warmth of your arms?
How the Little one Enjoys the “Golden hour” With the Dad
The little one will cry less, and feel stress-free, safe, and happy. Their body functions are going to improve. They are also going to sleep better and keep their body temperature and heartbeat regulated.
“The Golden Hour” is the initial stage of the fatherhood journey. It may be filled with hiccups, but it is a beautiful journey and you’ll be filled with unparalleled joy.
Enjoy this journey to the fullest!