What is meant by the “golden hours”?
The “golden hour” refers to the first hour immediately after birth. It is considered a crucial moment in the life of both baby and mother. During this time, the following are recommended:
Direct skin-to-skin contact (Haut-zu-Haut-Kontakt) between mother and baby
Avoiding separation of the baby from the mother (except for clear medical reasons)
Starting the first breastfeeding attempt during this period
Strengthening emotional attachment (bonding) between mother and child
Yes, most hospitals in Germany follow this policy as part of modern birth protocols, especially when the birth is vaginal and without major complications.
This approach is often linked to the concept of a:
“Babyfreundliches Krankenhaus” (baby-friendly hospital), which means:
The baby stays with the mother as much as possible (rooming-in)
The mother’s wish to hold her baby immediately after birth is respected
Breastfeeding is supported from the very first moments
Bottles or pacifiers are not used unless the mother explicitly requests them or there is a medical indication
Typical steps:
Right after birth, the baby is placed naked or in a diaper on the mother’s chest and covered with a warm towel.
Routine checks (weighing, measuring, first injections) are delayed until this first hour is over, as long as mother and baby are stable.
The midwife encourages the mother to let the baby search for the breast on its own (breast crawl).
Separation is avoided as far as possible and only done if medically necessary (e.g. breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, emergency resuscitation).
In the case of a caesarean section, skin-to-skin contact may be delayed slightly, but is usually offered as soon as mother and baby are stable (for example in the recovery room).
If the baby requires immediate resuscitation or emergency care, life-saving measures come first.
Some older or very busy hospitals may not be able to apply the policy in full, so it is advisable to ask in advance.
During your pre-birth registration appointment (Anmeldegespräch) at the hospital, you can ask:
Do you apply the golden hours policy after birth?
Can I hold my baby on my chest immediately after delivery?
Can my partner stay with us during the bonding period?
Do you postpone cleaning the baby and routine tests to the second hour if possible?
| Benefit | Effect / Impact |
|---|---|
| Calming the newborn | Stabilises breathing, heart rate and body temperature |
| Supporting the immune system | Transfer of the mother’s skin flora and microbiome |
| Better breastfeeding success | Increases the likelihood of early and successful breastfeeding |
| Lower risk of postnatal depression | Oxytocin release and stronger mother-baby bonding |
Editorial note:
The editorial team of this website aims to provide accurate information based on careful research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete details may occur. Please treat this article as an initial orientation and always consult midwives, obstetricians, paediatricians and official health services for binding medical advice.
