It is common practice to give pitocin in the IV or as a shot immediately after delivery. I've worked in 2 different states/3 different hospitals where pitocin after delivery is the standard of care. If a mom hemorrages (I don't think I spelled that correctly), then she is given a stronger drug such as methergine or hemabate. As far as breastfeeding is concerned, the midwife may have wanted to make sure that the placenta delivered, and to examine her perineum and make any necessary repairs. Some providers use mom's belly as a "clean" area where they can lay a sterile towel, instruments, etc. Unfortunately, as many have stated in the past, birth is viewed as a high risk event in many institutions. It often takes an assertive family member, significant other, and sometimes another staff member to advocate on mom's behalf. Joyce Coleman, RN, IBCLC, LCCE *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html