with DD2 i held her in my arms and didnt let got fo over an hour. it was magic. the apgars i belive are just done my the midwife looking, i think its colour, breathing etc. so you shouldnt have to put her down for those. i think the skin to skin etc i didnt have with dd1 is really important and has helped me bond better with dd2! dd1 was taken,wrapped and given to me for a quick hold, then taken again while i delivered the placenta, i had a tough first month and didnt get that instant love with her,but that may have been due to other factors, with DD2 she was given to me wet and slippery, i delivered the placenta while she breastfed, i moved to the bed and cuddled her for ages, she needed oxygen and suction which they did while i held her and the ped had to come look at her. i only put her down for a few minutes for that, then had her weighed about two hours after birth while i had a shower. Those first few hours were amazing and i do feel i had an instant bond with DD2 and instant love.

I guess, unless there is a real problem and they need to help a baby then he/she is actuallybetter off on you, feeling you heart and breath to help them regulate thier heart beat/breathing etc and all the other good stuff that comes with skin on skin time/breastfeeding. I think its really important.