Cindy, have you ever had a chance to discuss this with administration? They don't usually want to be using a protocol that is behind the times. I'd start there, asking for one change, ie: baby stays with mom minimum of first hour (ideally 2) after birth. Any vitals, sticks, paperwork can be done at bedside. Same goes for dr, if s/he comes in - examine at bedside. One of my fondest memories at Beaumont in MI was seeing mom and baby snuggle in, with dad or with dad doing family phoning, nurse dimming lights and taking her delivery paperwork over to a table in the corner out of the way, keeping an eye on things, assisting if needed and generally letting family do their own thing. This was a hospital policy. Although they had a 75% epidural rate, I didn't see babies who were confused about how to BF the next day. I think this is a direct result of how they handle the hour or so after delivery. At 2 hours pp mom and baby were moved to pp floor either in a wheel chair or on a stretcher, TOGETHER! I had students there and thought is was a wonderful system. There is much to document this sort of care as being preferred from the WHO to AAP. Take copies of research and statements from WHO and AAP, go to the powers that be and talk it up. Mothers and babies don't need to miss that "golden hour of opportunity"! Sincerely, Pat in SNJ