Heather asked if newborn nurseries were used outside the USA/UK.

Here in South Africa (at least in Cape Town), the priviate hopitals
claim to have 24-hour rooming-in.  In reality, babies are first "cooked"
in the nursery, then bathed so they have to be "cooked" again.  Blood
sugar tests are common.  Babies are returned to the nursery during
visiting time (the germs, you know!) and often at night, too.

The govenrment hospitals vary in their practices.  Uncomplicated cases
are discharged after 6 hours (from Midwife Obstetric Units) and those
delivering in secondary and teriary level facilities will have
rooming-in, usually from birth, depending on the condition of the baby.

We have two Baby-Friendly hopsitals, one private and one government, and
they do not have nurseries!  They also do not see engorgment and very
little sore nipples.  I wonder why?

Jean Ridler  RN  RM  IBCLC
Cape Town, southern tip of Africa
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