I'm sorry but I have to SCREAM!  I don't think the hospital can do this
without the mother's consent.  The baby still belongs to HER not the
nursery and not the peds.  What is the rationale for this and ask for
PROOF!  If nothing else, consider discharge after immediate recovery.  What
could possibly make it more difficult to have a normal birth than to be
anxious about being separated from the baby for what possible reason?  I
can't think of anything under normal circumstances that can't be done in
the MOTHER'S ROOM (if not her arms)!  There are many parents today who
refuse separation based on security reasons.  While we all know baby
mix-ups and abductions are extremely rare, some parents are not willing to
take ANY risks in this respect not to mention the fact that it may very
well interfere with feedings.  I have known parents who have consented to
baby being in nursery for an "observation/assessment time" AS LONG AS AT
LEAST ONE PARENT WAS ALLOWED TO STAY WITH THE BABY CONSTANTLY!  They backed
down and did assessments at mom's bedside.  If they didn't at least dad
could observe for feeding cues and insist on baby going to mom for feed.
This strikes me as one of those "just say no" moments!
Peggy Litt, RN, CLC
Hospital-based Lactation Consultant
Quincy, IL
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