As a childbirth educator and postpartum doula, I regularly counsel my clients to create a sacred space immediately after giving birth. The first hour of life of a newborn needs to be a gentle transition from the womb into the world. A baby delights and relaxes best when being held snugly to mom or dad’s chest, being able to sense the familiarity of their voice, their smell, their touch. As mom and baby have just transcended the hard work that leads to delivery–there is real need to rejoice in baby’s arrival and enjoy the fruits of her labor. This is best achieved by honoring the Golden Hour where baby can savor the security in the arms of those who love them the most. Keep the Golden Hour free from extraneous hospital procedures and request a delay of those until bonding and breastfeeding has been established. Some procedures can be performed bedside while baby is in the arms of mom or dad. The Golden Hour achieved has great benefits to the newborn and the parents.
Here is a great article from The Fort Myers Florida Weekly 12/12/12/ detailing those perks to keeping the first hour of your baby’s life a moment of awe and beauty. . .
http://mfm.floridaweekly.com/node/160807