Dear Lactnetters-
    Just when we were making some progress toward ending mother/baby
separation, our new neonatologist has come up with a new "Sepsis Screen
Protocol"  that effectively separates the majority (no exaggeration) of our
mothers and babies.  Even the pedis who have been here a while don't feel
that they can open their mouths about this policy.  Can anyone direct me to
some good recent articles in the medical literature that would deal with
this?  In this case, making him prove his case just isn't going to do it.
    Babies with the following factors are at risk for developing sepsis:
1) Mother known to be colonized with Group B strep or status unknown
2) Maternal temp > or equal to  101 (noted if had epidural)
3) Maternal rupture of membranes > 18 hours

The following factors have a high risk of being assoc. with sepsis:
1) Previous sibling with Group B sepsis
2) Maternal Broup B Strep Urinary Tract infection
3) Maternal chorioamnitis
4) Sibling of twin with sepsis

Protocol:
A. Term asymptomatic infants with one or more risk factor will be observed in
the nursery.  They should not be in mother's room when she is asleep for the
first 24 hours.
Vital signs will be taken every 4 hours.  Babies will get a sepsis screen
blood test at 12 hours.

B. Infants should stay in hospital until 44-48 hours of age.
C.  Babies will be admitted to NICU if:
-< 36.6 weeks with any risk factors
-Term infants with any of the factors classified above as "high risk"


There is usually only one nurse in the nursery at night, so babies in the
nursery tend to stay there.  I asked how we were going to pay for all the
nurses needed to stay in the mothers rooms watching the babies while mom
sleeps, and they all just laughed!  Ok, I was kidding, but I wanted to make
my point!

As a former NICU nurse, I know that sepsis is a very bad thing, but is this
the answer?  I look forward to your input!

    Debi Page Ferrarello, RN, IBCLC
    Breastfeeding Resources, Inc.
    Sighing over two steps forward and three back....

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html