I have 2 tactics I use when addressing this issue in both my prenatal classes
and when I'm conducting a maternity floor tour.  First, I point out that the
warmers in the delivery room aren't attached to the crib.  I explain that
moms are usually cold after delivery, too, and that the perfect solution is
for mom to hold baby and have the warmer over both of them!  I then explain
that many times the delivery nurse is trying to do 3 things at once, and may
not offer this option.  Then I make a point to tell the Dads that THEIR job
after delivery is to see that mom & baby get together, and suggest that he be
the one to ask the nurse for this setup.

Secondly, I point out that during labor the laboring couple often gets into a
kind of "dependent" role, relying on the delivery nurse/doctor for
instructions on what to do next.  This often carries over into the postpartum
period, where new parents often feel they must have "permission" to do
ANYTHING.  I then explain (again) that the delivery nurse may be focusing on
things other than breastfeeding as priorities in the recovery period (I don't
agree that this is right, it's just reality at present :-( ) and may not
actually suggest or "give permission" to breastfeed.  THEN I do a mock "magic
wand wave", saying, "You are hereby officially given permission by a
maternity nurse (me) to breastfeed your baby immediately after delivery."
 NOW, I tell them, you don't have to "wait for permission"--you already have
it!

I feel this approach empowers the couple to take the first steps in
breastfeeding, & doesn't ruffle any feathers with the L&D staff.  Because it
is done with humor, it's not "high-pressure", and they tend to remember it
better--several say they've recalled the exact scene from my class when
they're in the delivery room!

Carol Schlef, RNC, MSW, IBCLC
holed up in St. Louis with 2 kids and a father in -30 degree windchill!