Babies overnighting in moms room

[crissrn27]

Hi guys, I need some opinons. I work in a rural hospital in the newborn nursery. We don't do couplet care. Have different depts for L and D, nursery, and post partum, with different nurses for each. I have been there for about 3 years. Well, last night I had a baby, SVD, breastfeeding, fine kid, about 36 hours old. Mom wanted me to keep him the night before, she was tired and just wanted him for feeding, but last night she wanted to room in with him. So, I take him in for a few minutes assess, weigh, bath all that stuff and take him right back out. A little while later dad calls for something and talks with another nurse and happen to mention that they are rooming in. This nurse, who is a really great nurse and a friend of mine, tells them that they can't keep the baby unless someone is awake at all times and goes to bring the baby back. I get back about this time and we had a bit of an argument about this, but she says they can't keep him if they are going to be sleeping, period. Liablity issues, etc. I point out that most other hospitals do couplet care, that this family would be sleeping in their own house if they had decided to go home that day, etc. She is not moved! LOL Says they can do what they want when they get home, that while the baby is in the hospital he is our problem and it is on us if the baby dies while in the room with the parents and they can't keep him if they are going to sleep. I backed off, (she was charge and has been there 20+ years) smoothed it over with the parents (who were NOT happy about this), and just took him out for feedings. We don't have a written policy about this. I just called my NM for some clarification but I couldn't get her. What do you guys do at your hospitals? How do you feel on this subject?

Thanks,

Criss

Whoa, did a search for threads on this and just wanted to say, I don't want this to get ugly, lol!

[luvschoolnursing, LPN]

Just my little opinion-I HATED being pregnant. I didn't sleep for months, except dozing in the recliner. My back hurt, I had heartburn. I'm amazed my dear husband put up with me. After having my babies and seeing everything was OK, I was happy to take my percocet and go to sleep for the 1st time in a long time. Those 2 nights of good sleep readied me for what awaited me at home. I loved the little ones once I got home and was well rested, but I was glad to know those 1st 2 nights they were being watched over and safe so I could rest. (they're 13 & 15 now, so rooming in wasn't as common then, I don't think) God bless the woman who can labor all day and then want to be up with a newborn all night. Guess I'm just a wuss:)

[lisamct]

Im reading this thread with interest as we dont have any type of 'well baby' nurseries here in the UK.

Healthy babies all stay with their mums from the minute they're born until they leave the hospital. Even most of the medical checks/exams are completed at the bedsite and if not mum will go with baby whilst its being seen.

I cant really imagine it happening any other way so its interesting to read about opinions and policies elsewhere.

[SmilingBluEyes]

We base our couplet care on the reference cited by Arwen. ALSO you can always get your pediatricians and lactation personnel (if you have them) on board, along with staff, to write the policies, based on the above standards, and make them official. It's not such a huge leap, really. I am sad when I see so many places so hesitant to practice such family-centered, evidence-based good sound care such as rooming-in.

[SmilingBluEyes]

PS, one of the keys to having moms get rest is reminding them they have EVERY right (and I daresay OBLIGATION) to limit numerous visits during their short stays at the hospital. No better place then in the hospital to learn to sleep when baby does. You will at home, too, if you are to remain sane! I think they should teach this more in childbirth prep classes, myself. I am always glad to place signs requesting visitors let patients rest, on their doors, if need be, to protect their right to rest. Keeping babies in the nursery all night is not necessarily a good thing, nor very practical, unless mom or baby is sick.

[mer_RN]

I think rooming in is great. Like everyone said they will be sleeping in the same house when they get home. I'm not very educated on co-sleeping and the statistics but I do know that we have had some moms fall asleep with the babies in the bed several of the babies have ended up on the floor and at least 1 of them has gotten a scull fracture. but i just always make sure i document that i told them not sleep with them in the bed, put them in the crib.