When I had my bubs, the midwife put a towel on me before she put the baby on me. I kinda didn't notice all of the muck. Now looking back at photos it looks gross, but then, I just wanted to meet and hold my baby.
Initially you feel the wetness and the sliminess, but after a short while, you don't notice it anymore. It also got cleaned up by the blanket that got thrown over the two of us as well.
If you want bub wiped down and wrapped first just ask your midwife to do this. There is no problem with that. I've done it before for women who prefer it this way. I've also handed the mum her wet slimmy bub and she has looked very uncomfortable about it so if your not comfortable and don't want it that way just say something before hand. The blankets should be warm under the heater and it only takes a few moments to clean bub up and wrap them. You might feel competely differently when the time comes however.
Part of it is to transfer some of the amniotic fluid onto you. Bub has been smelling, tasting amniotic fluid for months. Getting amniotic fluid onto your breasts helps bub find them. Later, after a feed, it's recommended that when you have your first shower, you dont wash the amniotic fluid off your breasts. Keeping it there helps bub find them again. After they've fed a few times, they know your smell and it's ok to fully wash, though it's not recommended that you use fragrance.
I totally understand. The thought of all the gunk on me makes me want to gag.
When DD was born I got a cuddle, but they cleaned her up before I even saw her due to her having her bowels outside of her body.
She had to cleaned and glad-wrapped, and then I saw her after a few minutes and she was all wrapped up in a massive blanket with a beanie on.
And then they washed her nearly completely during her surgery.
I don't know how I'll feel with the next one, having a (hopefully!) normally bub and normal delivery.
TBH i wasn't sure how i would feel either but after both girls i def preferred the cuddles and experience with DD2 being a bit gooey
With DD1 being at home waiting for the ambulance she was wrapt tightly to keep her warm and we never got the chest to chest with DD2 she was born and basically handed straight to me and then we were both covered with a warm blanket.
In some of my pictures she doesn't look all the gooey but she was
Each to their own hun, it can't hurt to ask for a quick wipe down first
Honestly I never even though about it. I had very pro-active midwives who delayed cord clamped, made me have skin to skin for at least an hour "now she has to stay on your chest for at least an hour and then you can breastfeed",were their exact words to me. Not that I minded at all, but it might be good to make your wishes known prior. ;-)
I can't even remember noticing the gunk...I delivered (with midwife present) my 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th babies and pulled them straight onto my chest.
I was so anxious to meet the little person who had growing inside me I didn't think of it.
The midwife wiped them down while they where in my arms.
If you really think it will bother you just ask them to wipe them down first.
I think you might be overestimating the goo/gunk whatever you want to call it. It's not that extreme. They aren't like a slimey slippery eel. It's a little bit of goo but once you have a blanket around you and bub you'll barely notice it.
But if you are worried then let the midwife know before hand. Then bubs can be passed to you - and if you don't like it they can wrap bub for you.
I bet with all the rush of happy emotions, you'll love the chance to snuggle as soon as you can!
When DS2 was born i thought the exact same thing. Because when he was born they just basically guided him out without to much touching and i was asked to pick my baby up and my first thought was that i was going to drop him because he was so slimely, i think once they are wiped a bit with the towel or blanket that covers you both you don't really give it a second thought.
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