If I had only 30 seconds to educate moms-to-be on the most important information about breastfeeding, I would tell them: start moving your milk early and often during the first three days after your baby is born. This starts immediately after delivery, during what is called the golden hour. This period – literally the first hour or so of their life – is the most critical time to start removing milk from your breasts, either by the baby, a hand, or a pump.  

Studies show that if a baby breastfeeds (or milk is removed via hand or pump) during the first hour of life, the likelihood of establishing a full milk supply will increase. One study from Breastfeeding Medicine showed that mothers who removed milk during the first hour compared to those who removed milk between the second and sixth hours after birth had 70% higher milk volume on day seven.  

When it comes to breastfeeding challenges that arise, there are many issues that can be fixed. But if you don’t have enough milk supply at three or four weeks postpartum, it can be difficult to rewind the clock if you haven’t established your milk supply from the beginning. 

To make the most of these first moments, the baby should ideally be placed on your abdomen right at birth. You should be skin-to-skin, and the baby should be given the opportunity to crawl toward your breasts and initiate the first feed. Much of the standard newborn care that’s done right after birth (measuring, washing, etc.) should be delayed until after this first feed. If your baby needs extra assistance transitioning to the world, he or she may be taken to a warmer or the NICU. While this can be stressful, keep in mind that your milk is medicine! Hand expressing your colostrum in this first hour will benefit your ability to make milk, even weeks or months after birth. If you wish to start breastfeeding at the golden hour, you should write this into your birth plan so that your healthcare team is aware.