In our hospital, in Qld Australia, our babies are bathed when we get around
to it, or Mum and Dad ask for it. I have recently changed my practise so I
no longer bath babies- the Dad's do.
They are usually a bit nervous, but I figure that is some small thing that I
can give them that no one can ever take away- "I gave my baby his/her very
first bath".
I will stand beside them, and encourage them, but leave a lot of it up to
the Dads- I believe we had too many mothers asking "am I doing it right?" I
think they  were worried that they may have 'washed the right arm before the
left"!!
This seems to be very well accepted as the Dads are really proud of
themselves afterwards!
My definition of a successful bath is "parents and baby enjoyed it and no
harm was done"

Of course we still have the midwives who are cleanliness freaks, but I
encourage the parents to choose their own time. We NEVER bath a baby in the
Birthing Suite, it's  too cold, and breastfeeding and loving is more
important. I do believe there are some hospitals in Australia who do bath
very soon after birth in the birthing suites.
Best wishes
Susan

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