I have learned the Rapid Test is next to useless with too many false readings. So when a mom in labor shows enough symptoms for an MD to diagnose "flu", she is started on anti-viral drugs. She can see her babe after birth, but babe goes to the nursery and into an isolette. Babe is handled under full precautions within 6' of the isolette. Mom is in a separate isolation room - same precautions: gloves & mask, with gowns available. I use it all.

Mom and babe can go to couplet care 48 hours after beginning the anti-viral drugs. So when there is a c/s, we have a chance to begin BrFdg before they are introduced and sent home together.

Mom is set up with a pump asap. Then came the concern about handling the bottles outside of the room. So I set it up that mom will pump into the bottles that come with the kit. The staffer will pour the milk into our free sterile gradufeeds, labeled, and put into a BioHazard bag right there at the door. So the bag and bottles are not "exposed" inside the room. They were worried about possible storage in the HM refrig next to all those bottles from "well" mothers. To me, that's not an issue. The milk should be fed immediately, IMO.

I did arrange for someone to take photos of the babe for mom.

Here's where I get in trouble with my questions (yet to be asked of Mgmt because they are still writing protocols almost hourly). 
Mom is in a 4-bed room all by herself. What happens when the 48 hours pass for her and babe can come out to mom - but there is another flu mom in that room who is still within her own 48 hours of treatment? Yes, she will be outside the mandated 6' perimeter, but ....

Phyllis


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Phyllis Adamson, BA, IBCLC
Glendale, AZ.
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