It seems strange to me that USA maternity wards do not routinely practice
rooming in, unless things have changed. Certainly when I was in Winnipeg,
Canada 5 years ago I was looked at in utter horror when I mentioned rooming
in. "What if the baby became ill?" was the question I got!! Does this person
consider most mothers incapable of looking after their child (LOL)?
In the UK, rooming in is practiced as a routine on the post natal wards. The
babies will only go into the nursery if mothers request it. i.e. for blood
tests etc. Most mothers actually don't mind this being done at the bedside
anyway. I have worked in OB/neonates for 8 years and have known nothing else.
Sue
RGN RM
North East England