This issue is close to my heart as I have a major problem with the way
babies are handled after birth.  The practice here is the same as it was
before HIV.......

One small way I deal with this is to discuss with couples prenatally the
routines and procedures they will find in hospital.  We view the "Self
Attachment" video and discuss what is *really* important in the first
couple of hours.  Will baby's weight change that much from 5 minutes
post delivery to two hours later, or the next day?  Is not bathing the
baby life threatening?  Does it matter if the staff cannot complete
their charts or tick off the procedures?  (The *real* issue here IMHO.)
Whose baby is it;  whose experience;  whose memories ...?  Guess I could
be considered "pushy"?

On a positive note, I consulted a post caesar mom in hospital last
week.  Baby was 7 hours old and had been in her mother's arms (fully
clothed) almost since birth.  No bath - still had dried blood on her
scalp.  The staff do not wear gloves!

Jean Ridler  RN  RM  IBCLC (private practice)
Cape Town, South Africa
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