hi,

i posted a month or so ago looking for feedback re: a baby who was to be
delivered via c-section at 36.5 weeks due to complete placenta
previa.  baby was delivered last monday (1 week ago) and all went
great!  6#12oz, put on mom's chest in OR (by the anasthesiologist!!!), and
to breast 20 minutes later in recovery - he nursed for 2 hours straight -
with swallows, and active suckling, wide jaw excursions, deep latch - the
whole shebang!!!  mom was extatic - her first c-sec (failure to progress)
had been a  miserable experience with hands tied down, separated from baby
for 4 hours, painful nursing from the get-go - this time she looked as if
she had just experienced an uncomplicated, 6 hour vaginal birth!!  the
birth plan helped a lot, and minor interventions were adjusted to meet
mom's expectations, such as heel stick after first feed done *at the
breast* (policy because baby under 37 weeks technically) - and second heel
stick that we were told was policy, was skipped afterall because baby's
glucose level was so great (after 2 hrs nursing no surprise!).  baby
continues to nurse great, minor engorgement gone after 24-36 hours.  The
interesting part is that her 3 year old who was still nursing avidly up
until and after the birth, refuses to nurse now that her milk is in - and
is requesting expressed *cold* "momma-milk" in a cup!

I suggested to the mom that she write a letter of appreciation to the
anesthesiologist and the hospital, and she may do that.  isn't it unusual
for an anesthesiologist to get involved in baby-care/bonding?

it was so enlightening for me to see that a csection birth, managed with
the baby's best interests in mind (i.e. supporting early bonding and BF)
can go beautifully.  of course we were lucky baby was so big/ready to be
born.  Thanks to all of you who wrote me with experiences and hospital
protocols, and suggestions for communicating with the hospital staff.  I
wonder how things would have gone if baby had had to go to the NICU .. . .

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