Yvette, as FionaJill said, the colostrum should be there straight away and the baby usually starts looking for it straight away after birth, or not long after. My second son was reasonably small born and I was told he had to take colostrum every 3 hours or he would have to have formula top ups. I bet they give the bubs formula if they are away from mum for 8 hours. I would ask this question. And I agree, I wouldn't want to go 8 hours without feeding the bub. I didn't need the rest.

Good luck, I hope it works out for you. And don't let that doctor intimidate you. You have rights and you are not being unreasonable.