Meet Clare O’Brien
Midwife, Research Lead & BioGaia Ambassador
With over 11 years of experience in clinical midwifery and research, Clare O’Brien is a leading voice in maternity and reproductive health. She’s a respected speaker and consultant, passionate about translating the latest research into practical guidance for parents.
Best advice for new parents – 3 expert tips to give your newborn the healthiest start
At BioGaia, we know that the first few hours after birth are critical for laying the foundation for a healthy, happy future. Research has highlighted three simple actions that can make a big difference in newborn health outcomes.
The best part? They are easy to implement and supported in many U.S. hospitals and birthing centers today.
While these practices are generally encouraged in hospitals across the U.S., there can still be differences between what the research recommends and what individual hospital policies may allow. Clare O’Brien’s best advice for new parents is to understand those differences, to be able to confidently advocate for yourself and your baby and get the full benefit of each of these practices.
1. Delayed Cord Clamping: Provides Great Benefits for Your Baby
Waiting a bit before clamping your baby’s umbilical cord after birth has well-documented benefits. During those first moments, the placenta and cord continue delivering oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to your baby, helping them adjust smoothly to life outside the womb.
Why it matters:
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Increases the baby’s blood volume by 20-25 percent.
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Boosts iron levels, helping lower the risk of anemia before starting solid foods.
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Delivers stem cells that support tissue repair and immune system development.
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Aids in oxygenating the heart and lungs.
While many U.S. hospitals practice at least one minute of delayed cord clamping, research shows that waiting until the cord turns white and flat (usually -5 minutes) provides the greatest benefits.
Our best advice for new parents is to discuss this preference with your birth team to make sure your baby receives the full advantages of delayed cord clamping.
2. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Regulation and Bonding
Uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact right after birth has a powerful impact on both mom and baby. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 90 minutes of continuous skin-to-skin contact, as it helps regulate:
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Heart rate and breathing.
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Body temperature.
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Blood sugar levels.
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Breastfeeding success and bonding.
In the U.S., most hospitals encourage skin-to-skin contact after birth, though the recommended duration can vary. While some facilities may suggest just an hour, parents have the option to continue skin-to-skin beyond that and delay routine procedures – like weighing or bathing the baby – until after the initial bonding period.
If the mother is not well after delivery, a partner or support person can step in to provide skin-to-skin, so the baby still receives those vital early benefits.
3. Colostrum: ‘Liquid Gold’ for Your Baby
Colostrum, the first milk a mother produces, is rich in powerful immune-boosting properties. Often referred to as “liquid gold” by healthcare providers, colostrum is loaded with:
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Good bacteria to help establish a healthy gut microbiome.
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Immune-supporting antibodies to protect against infections.
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Nutrients and growth factors essential for early development.
If a mother decides not to breastfeed, our best advice for new parents is to hand-express colostrum and give it with a syringe during the first few days as it can still offer lasting health benefits.
Antenatal Colostrum Collection
To make sure colostrum is available no matter the birth situation, some parents choose to collect and freeze colostrum starting at 36 weeks of pregnancy. This can be a helpful option in case of:
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Medical complications during delivery.
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Early challenges with breastfeeding.
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It is important to consult a midwife before starting antenatal colostrum collection, especially if there’s a history of preterm labor.
Evidence-based information– the best advice for new parents
Understanding evidence-based newborn care practices can help parents make informed decisions and advocate for their baby’s best start in life.
These three simple actions – delayed cord clamping, skin-to-skin contact, and colostrum feeding – can make a significant difference in your baby’s early health and set the foundation for a lifetime of well-being.
Becoming a new mom can be challenging. We asked baby sleep expert Heidi Skudder to give advice on self-care ideas for moms during the early months of motherhood.
About Clare
Clare O’Brien
Midwife, Reproductive Health and Childbirth Research Lead, & BioGaia Ambassador
Clare O’Brien is an experienced midwife and Reproductive Health and Childbirth Research Lead, with over 11 years of experience in both clinical practice and research.
A recognized expert in maternity care, Clare is a respected public speaker, consultant, and contributor to leading apps, brands, and publications focused on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. She is passionate about translating research into practical guidance to empower parents and improve birth outcomes.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have about a medical condition.
