How long after birth should breastfeeding ideally begin?

Breastfeeding should ideally begin within the first hour after birth. This time frame is crucial for several reasons. Initiating breastfeeding early promotes skin-to-skin contact, which helps regulate the infant's body temperature and supports bonding between the mother and baby. Additionally, early breastfeeding facilitates the release of colostrum, which is the first milk produced by the mother, packed with essential nutrients and antibodies vital for the newborn's immune system.

Timing is especially important because the early moments after birth help trigger the baby's natural rooting and sucking reflexes, making it easier for them to latch on effectively. Delaying breastfeeding could interfere with establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship and may affect the mother’s milk supply.

Starting breastfeeding at either 30 minutes or 15 minutes does not emphasize the importance of the one-hour window, which is recognized by health organizations as the ideal timeframe to enhance the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby. The option of 1 hour and 30 minutes suggests a delay that may not align with the optimal practices supported in maternal and newborn health guidelines.