following cesarean surgery, skin-to-skin care for stable mothers and babies can begin in the operating room when the mother is alert and responsive. the vast majority of mothers who undergo cesarean surgery are alert and responsive when spinal or eppidural anesthetic is used. women who experienced skin-to-skin care during a cesarean described the experience as meaningful, were not "aware" of the surgical procedure because they focused on their newborn, and reported that they would welcome the opportunity to do so again if given the opportunity. no evidence exists for delaying skin-to-skin care until a mother and her baby are in a recovery room or postanesthesia care unit.