The following appeared in the Australian media, The Australian
I came across the story on a web site 

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/

Baby breastfed by wrong mother By Alison Crosweller, 14mar01

A NEW mother of twins was given the wrong baby to breastfeed by a midwife at 
a Geelong hospital during a midnight feeding session. 

The mix-up, at the St John of God Hospital, happened when the mother was 
handed two babies to breastfeed – but one of the newborns belonged to another 
patient.The infant involved in the bungle has since been cleared of any 
infections after being given blood tests for HIV and hepatitis B and C.Both 
of the parents involved have undergone counselling at the hospital after the 
mistake was pointed out by the midwife who handed the mother the baby.

Hospital chief executive Stephen Roberts said the "regrettable incident" had 
prompted an immediate review of hospital protocol and procedures."As soon as 
the midwife brought it to our attention a review of procedures was carried 
out," Mr Roberts said.He said the main issue was patient identification, and 
it had been addressed in the review.The mother, who gave birth to twins last 
week, had begun to feed the baby before the mistake was noticed."It was quite 
confronting but the midwife involved intervened quickly," Mr Roberts said.

Another good reason to have the baby room in!

Jon Ahrendsen MD FAAFP
Clarion, Iowa 
    

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