some wonderful posts here

Anna

the first 2 hrs after birth are crucial for positive breast feeding outcomes...this is the stage when the hormones of birth are at their optimum for mother and baby...both alert, interactive.

The first BF helps with uterine contraction to help with the expulsion of the placenta and to reduce postpartum bleeding. The first nuzzles at the breast initiate an increase in prolactin levels...the mothering hormone...associated with milk production and also the primitive mothering response to care for the newborn

The first BF for baby initiates the gastrointestinal system and digestion of the first milk (colostrum) provides the essential digestive factors for a baby to complete the clotting cascade (remember they get the vitamen K as they dont have a complete clotting cascade)

research also points towards the first 2 hrs being crucial for bonding and reduction in PND symptoms...and babes that feed within this 4th stage of labor and birth are more likely to feed successfully and for mothers to feed for a longr period of time

hope this helps

xx yogababy