Megan they said the same thing in my hospital childbirth class, and I was/am upset about it too.

As far as I can tell, this is a cost-cutting measure on the hospital's part. They would need to provide a midwife (trained to spot problems with the baby) and a recovery nurse (trained to spot problems with you) in the same room at the same time. And they don't want to do that.

Now I think that's ridiculous, as the midwife who led the class said later that they are there to support us, no matter how long the labor takes, and they can be there in your room the whole time if you need that. Now, in other situations, you might be in labor and needing a midwife for hours and hours, not just the short time you'll be in recovery. So it's silly to suggest that they don't have the staff for someone to come be with your baby in the same room with you.

If I end up needing a c/s (uncertain, but kinda threatened for me, because baby is so large), I hope to express myself very clearly about this and kick up one hell of a fuss if they won't arrange things to allow me and my baby that time together. Even if we have to spend more time in the theatre or whatever. I will be priming my husband and my mum (who I expect to be there) to support me on this one too. I think it's important and I think it's probably one of those things that hospitals expect we will be compliant about, when probably we shouldn't be.

I suggest you discuss with your OB and anyone else you can think of, politely and firmly, until you get them to agree to what you and your baby need.