I've been privileged to spend my work with new parents and babies. I've been a nurse for 30 yrs. and I have never tired of working with the newborn. I have to say that the trend to skin to skin at birth has completely changed my care for families.
At birth the newborn is dried and placed directly on the mother. The baby is observed but not bothered by staff. The new family is allowed time to just get to know each other. I have always encouraged new parents to preserve this time. Ask staff to not bother you and your new baby for the first hour. The bath, weight, measuring etc. can all wait. Let your family know that you'll let them see,hold and visit after this first hour. Sometimes the baby may need care at birth and of course that will be the priority for the medical staff caring for your new baby. The magic of skin to skin is available to you anytime! The first few days of life is so important to you and your new baby but,anytime you can I would encourage skin to skin. It truly is magic. Mom, dad and baby will enjoy it.
This little video gives a nice account of the value of skin to skin contact:
