More US hospitals adopting 'baby-friendly' policies

At the growing number of hospitals in the United States that are certified as "baby-friendly," the naked, often unbathed infant is put on the mother's bare chest within the first hour of birth. Mothers are to nurse "on demand" whenever babies are hungry. No pacifiers are available. Formula may be provided, but only on request, and only after, in some instances, mothers sign a waiver acknowledging that using a bottle could impede breast-feeding. Lactation consultants roam the floor. And healthy babies, if possible, are rarely, if ever, taken to the nursery. If a mom wants to send her newborn, staff members often have to ask why and then fill out paperwork explaining the reason.