Additional Information
At Merit Health Wesley, we believe in the "Golden Hour" - a bonding time for you and your baby that is a once-in-a-lifetime event and needs to be celebrated. It can help calm the baby, build up resistance to infection, and get breastfeeding off to a good start. It is time for introductions to mommy and daddy and first "oohs and ahs," the counting of fingers and toes, and checking out hair and eye color. It is important for you to have this time with your baby to begin the bonding process. After the first hour with your newborn, we encourage you to invite family and friends in to meet your new arrival.
Why is it important to bond with your baby in the first hour?
Studies show that the mother-child bond is critical for your baby's ongoing growth and development. We are promoting skin-to-skin in the first hours and days of your baby's life to help the two of you get to know each other. This closeness is one of the best ways for you to learn about your baby and begin the important process of bonding and connecting with your newborn.
Breastfeeding
The physicians on the medical staff and nurses strongly encourage mothers to breastfeed. Numerous studies show important benefits for both you and your baby.
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), babies who are held skin-to-skin right after birth have more stable heart rates, temperatures, and blood sugars. They breastfeed sooner, longer and more easily, and may even cry less.
The more time you spend holding your baby skin-to-skin after birth, the more benefits you will receive. The staff is here to support both the new parents and their baby. We gladly will help facilitate your feeding choice for your newborn, as well as assist you in any way possible to help you have a wonderful birthing experience.