We are currently being asked to evaluate all practices for
cost-cutting that doesn't reduce services.  In other words, plugging
the small leaks which can add up in time.  Just heard that our
nurses are being told not to hand out pacifiers so freely as they
have been because each one costs the unit $2.25 and last month alone
it was $800 just for paci's!  Some had been giving moms a handful
"in case one dropped on the floor".  Moms whose babies were "hooked"
on them often returned to the Birthing Center for another one
because that type wasn't avaialable anywhere else.  Now they are
referred to the retail pharmacy where they have to pay $3+ for a new
one.

We have just instituted a new Policy regarding pacifiers which
indicates thay are NOT to be given to babies without the parent's
specific permission and after potential drawbacks have been
discussed.  (This applies to all babies, not just the breastfeeding
ones.)  There are still too many nurses who say something like "It's
OK to give your baby a pacifier isn't it?" as they pop one in the
baby's mouth, but it is at least a baby step toward reducing the
rampant use of them.  We have a way to go in educating staff and
obtaining full compliance with the policy, but progress is being
made and the cost factor is going to be one more "nudge" in the
right direction.

Winnie - learning to notice and be grateful for even small moves
toward better care.

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