Delays in first bf (by which I mean any first bf that has happened later
than immediately after birth), as we know,  show up in the research as
being significant. What's the betting the effect is not just physiological,
but more a sign of the hospital being non-bf friendly?  Where bf is
considered to be *important*,  unavoidable delay in first bf will be rare.

UK figs on first bf (in 1995)

immediately: 25 per cent
within 1 hour: 43 per cent
more than 1 hour, up to 4 hours: 17 per cent
more than 4, up to 12 hours: 8 per cent
more than 12 hours: 8 per cent

C section and vag. deliveries not differentiated.

Excessive delay (more than 4 hours) has reduced slightly in the last 10
years.  But heavens, we have a long way to go.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK