Is this normal for most L&D/OB units?

[Jo Dirt]

I'm due to have a baby in June and so far have planned to have it where I had my last baby in 2001. The CRNA who gave the epidural was just magical. But one thing that kind of disappointed me was how as soon as the baby was born they whisked her away and I wasn't allowed contact with her for nearly 6 hours after she was born. Neither baby or me were traumatized or suffered permanent damage or anything, but it would have been nice to be able to hold the baby and feed it and cuddle (I breastfeed and they gave her a bottle they said just to put something in her stomach while she was being monitored).

I know the hospital isn't like Burger King but is this the way they do it in all hospitals now?

[Jo Dirt]

I've heard of people getting a note from their md/midwife saying that the baby does not need to go to the nursery.

Personally I wouldn't deliver at that hospital. If they think mom and baby should be separated for 6 hours then imagine what other outdated procedures/policies they still have. Also, it sounds like they routinely feed breastfed babies formula and that is very poor practice.

Maybe you could take a tour of the unit? You don't have to mention that you have given birth there before, just ask all your questions and make your decision.

I think I will do this. The doctor I have started seeing only delivers at that hospital but if they insist on keeping in the dark ages I can just as easily switch doctors. At the time it didn't make me all that upset, but when I think back on how I asked if the baby could stay with me and they said they had to keep her to monitor her and then they fed her a bottle, yea, that gets on my nerves pretty bad now, I won't let it happen again.