The Importance of the Pause: A Sacred Moment at Birth
In the rush of modern maternity care, birth can sometimes feel like a series of medical events—monitored, managed, and measured. But at its heart, birth is a profound, instinctual, and deeply human experience.
One of the most powerful yet often overlooked moments in childbirth is the pause—the sacred time immediately after birth where a mother and baby first meet outside the womb. It is a moment of recognition, of imprinting, of pure connection. When honoured, this pause can have lifelong benefits for both mother and baby.
Why the Pause Matters at Birth
1. Eye Contact: A First Look of Recognition
As your baby emerges into the world, pausing to gaze into their eyes is an ancient and instinctual act of bonding. Newborns can focus best at about 20-25cm—the perfect distance to meet their mother’s gaze while lying on her chest. This first look is not just emotional; it activates oxytocin, the "love hormone," deepening the connection between parent and child.
2. Skin-to-Skin Contact: A Sense of Safety and Love
Holding your baby against your bare chest is more than just comforting—it regulates their heartbeat, breathing, and temperature. Skin-to-skin contact also helps establish breastfeeding, reduces stress hormones, and provides a sense of security as your baby transitions from womb to world.
3. The Power of Scent: A Mother’s Signature
Babies are born with an extraordinary sense of smell. The scent of their mother is familiar, safe, and deeply reassuring. When given time to inhale and memorise this scent, babies experience less distress, more stable vital signs, and a stronger breastfeeding reflex. For mothers, inhaling their newborn’s scent triggers hormonal responses that enhance bonding and milk production.
Protecting the Sacred Pause: Why Silence & Stillness Matter
This moment isn’t just about mother and baby—it’s about creating an environment that allows the pause to unfold naturally. Everyone in the room, from partners to healthcare providers, plays a role in holding this space.
💛 Stillness & Quiet – Birth can be overwhelming for a baby. A calm, quiet environment reduces sensory overload, helping your baby feel secure in your arms.
💛 No Rushing – Immediate handling, wiping, or procedures can disrupt bonding. Whenever possible, routine interventions should wait so that mother and baby can remain undisturbed.
💛 Respecting the Golden Hour – The first hour after birth, known as the Golden Hour, is a critical time for bonding and imprinting. Keeping this time sacred allows the mother-baby connection to deepen naturally.
How a Doula Can Help Protect This Moment
In a busy hospital setting, where birth can become highly medicalised, it’s easy for this pause to be overlooked. A doula is there to ensure this moment is protected—to advocate for a quiet,
environment, to gently remind healthcare providers of the family’s wishes, and to support the parents in fully embracing this pause.
As your doula, I will:
✔️ Encourage the birth team to honour this moment by maintaining stillness and quiet.
✔️ Ensure baby is placed immediately on your chest for that first, uninterrupted connection.
✔️ Help you slow down and be present, guiding you to fully take in your baby’s first moments in the world.
Birth is Not Just About the First Breath—It’s About the First Connection
This pause is more than a moment—it’s the beginning of a lifelong bond. If you want to ensure this sacred time is honoured during your birth, consider hiring a doula who will protect and facilitate this powerful experience.
Let’s talk about how I can support you in creating a calm, connected birth experience. Book a free consultation today!
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