One of the local anaesthesiologists is getting a lot of attention
from the surgical/paeds/obstetrical community. He is well known for
promoting breastfeeding, especially immediately after C-Sections.  Now they
are nominating him for "the golden breast" award. What he did is fairly
routine to our thinking BUT novel to the specialists.  He asked a mom to put
her baby to the breast while the surgeons were still finishing up,  ie
moments after birth.  He told the ob/gyn it was an attempt to distract the
mom and dad while the epidural wore off and the surgeon finished up.  He got
some flack because this meant moving the surgical drape slightly.
        This is one of those teaching moments folks.  I need some good
research that shows why this is a great thing to do.  Why it would be
beneficial to the mom, aside from providing a 'distraction'. And why it is
worth 'inconveniencing' the surgeon.  I know, I know it should be common
sense and self evident BUT if this is to become routine procedure this Dr
needs back up research.  He mentioned 'maybe it is something to do with
hormones?' sigh. So what good, recent, research is there to support putting
a baby to the breast within 1/2hr of a c-section birth?
         By the way the babe in question nursed brilliantly.  The
anaesthesiologist is getting teased vigorously for being breast fixated for
actively advocating and supporting breastfeeding. As he said he needs ammo
to defend himself from his colleagues. As he is head of the dept. I figure
given some support we actually might see some changes in the right direction :)
        Thanks in advance.  Rhoda
--"Without interest and passion nothing great has ever happened in history.
Hegel"
               Rhoda Taylor, B.A., IBCLC   Duncan, B.C., Canada--