Just a few comments:

Our hospital has now gone to a bar code scanning system. In the past, mom
or baby identification labels were printed and given to moms to put on
their containers of expressed milk. However, I have seen mistakes made (not
just with breastmilk labeling but with other things) where, (not real
names, just for example purposes) Ms Brown  was given Ms Browning labels
etc. Sometimes moms don't notice this.

Before the bar code system, I would give mother blank labels. I would
instruct her to write her last name (which will be same as baby) and
boy/girl (infant names not on the identifiers yet) AND the unique
identification number that  mothers and babies are matched with in the
delivery room. the purpose of this is because mothers won't write someone
else's name and are looking at the number on their own armband. Then you
have to depend on the nurse to match the name AND the number at the infant
bedside. I like the 2 person method because someone is more likely to catch
any mistake.

I have seen names written very illegibly on the identifier armbands. I have
seen incorrect name bands brought to the delivery room and placed on the
patients.
Even with a bar code system, the nurses have to get all of this right
before it is going to work. Even with the bar code system I ask mothers to
look carefully at the labels and read and verify that it has correct name,
date of birth, etc. Sorry but I am known for catching all kinds of slip ups
and in 35 yrs I have seen plenty, unfortunately.

Laurie Wheeler RN MN IBCLC
MISSISSIPPI USA

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