hey mgm

there is not the same cascade of hormones in an elective c/s...so establishing the first contact with your baby is ver important...skin to skin and nuzzling at the breast is your right not your privledge...dont ask just nicely tell your health care providers that this is what you would like, and as long as there is no medical reason that it will have a negative effect on you or your baby they cannot really refuse

a theatre environment is cool...and they may argue the case...but skin to skin is the best thermal means of maintaining and stabalising a newborns temp. The skin to skin contact also them establishes hormone release for the mother and the baby...facilitating bonding and successful BF

I know it is difficult to BF laying down (on your back during a c/s) but letting your baby smell you and nuzzle at the breast will have a wonderful and positive impact on you both...your partner could also provide skin to skin in the theatre...he could wear a jacket/shirt with a zip/buttons and bring his baby to his chest

hope this helps...c/s can still be a very special and personal birth experience

xx yogababy