If you had a birth plan - with your ideal requests - this should have been discussed with the obs/midwifes etc before you went in for the c/s. It sounds like Mason decided to come early and the birth plan wasn't available or implemented.

Did you discuss any of your requests with the hospital staff before going into labour?
Did you take the birth plan with you when you went to the hospital & was it with you in the operating room?

If its "no" to either of these questions - then you can't really blame anyone for what happened. Its sad, and very unfortunate - but I don't think laying blame on others is the answer.

When they were prepping you for the c/s... did you vocally ask them to lower the screen? If they said no... you should have got an explanation right then. But if you didn't ask - then the usual procedure is to have the screen up.

As you were alone in recovery - I'm assuming Dale was with Mason. I too was alone in recovery because my DH was with Shaun. Personally - I preferred DH to be with Shaun rather then him be alone. So who would you rather be alone... you whilst your recover - or Mason ? (yes, I realise that the ideal situation is to have all three of you together - but many public hospitals just don't allow babies in the recovery room).

I wrote a full birth plan. I have a private ob - and took it to my appointments a couple of months prior to giving birth. I discussed the requests with him. Worked out what was feasable & what wasn't.

Then I went into labour... and I gave my DH instructions to bring that & the contact list inside... But he left both in the car.
As a result - he wasn't able to cut the cord... because we didn't have the birth plan with us for all the staff to view. And although I had discussed it with my ob, I ended up having an emergency c/s - so I imagine he was more focussed on birthing my baby rather then the things I had written down (and not bought with me). I certainly don't blame the doctor or any of the staff for what happened. And the c/s happened so quickly, little Shaun was out and having photos on my chest before I even realised I'd been cut open!

I'm sorry you are disappointed about certain aspects of the birth of Mason.

I just think that trying to find someone to blame is not best way to deal with it. Although I'm sure others will be quick to refute that.

Hopefully you will have # 2 and be able to have all your requests. Maybe you could go private... or pay for a doula... and ensure you have your birth plan with you at all times and discuss it with all the people you come in contact with at the hospital.