Judy,
I hear your frustration, both as a nurse and a nursing mother's advocate.
There has been a "push" for non separation of the infant after delivery from
the mother or father.
The pattern I have experienced most is where the hospital either has a
stabilization area in the OR , or near by where the father may follow the infant as
the nurse begins the newborn assessment. The infant, unless circumstances
arise is always shown to the mother first.
The time spent with the original assessment provides the sense of parent
involvement as well as an excellent teaching window.

You are absolutely correct about our OR's the North pole could be a warmer
place.
I have solved the North wind blow by wrapping the baby with  warm blankets
and hat as well as draping warm blankets around dad and baby to prevent drafts.
This process allows two things, the parent's participation in the attachment
process as well allowing the nurse to keep close watch on the infant in the
critical 30 minute period.

 After delivery, as I'm sure you can recall  the mother is usually provided
medication for relaxation so her capabilities are limited other than to touch
and feel the infants hands at this point.
When she arrives in her room and is stable, then the infant can be placed
skin to skin and the attachment process can begin.
I have found over the years, most infants born by C/S take a minute to begin
the rooting process, much less demonstrate the desire to breastfeed.If both
mom and baby are allowed some time along with patience the process usually
evolves.
The first feeding is important, so if the family is allowed this brief time,
then all the rest of the hospital policies come into place.
The families, usually only desire the infant the first hour or two If you can
provide support by a floating nursery nurse during this period your patient
satisfaction will only increase, along with providing a positive initial
breastfeeding experience. Most rooms can be easily equipped with a portable
warmerequipped with oxygen and suction.

I realize this does not address ill infants, however if you provide
information to the father, and position him to where he does not feel isolated, again
his immediate need is met.
We as caregivers, so frequently become entwined in treatment processes and
protocols that, we forget the individual family needs.
A good place for you to begin, is maybe speaking to the department head to
establish some policies that would establish protocols for infants in the OR.
I do have a lot of information, as well as the AAP has provided some
guidelines on rooming in and non separation of infants.

I know it becomes a fine line to be a breastfeeding advocate and responsible
for a newly delivered infant, and especially if you have an NICU background,
but it can be done.
Keep up the questions and good work, mom's need advocates like yourself.

Elaine Walburn RNC IBCLC



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