Had a situation this week where Mom had atrial fib after delivery of normal
newborn & was taken to ICU on a different floor from our mother-baby unit. Mom
was given digoxin & cadizem-both OK with BF although I had to talk to the docs
involved (& supply references) to get them to OK the BF because they initially
said NO!!!
But, the BIG problem was that mom & baby could not be together often, due to
our policy re: baby visiting mom on other units. Baby must be accompanied
continuously by a nurse & visits are to be brief (15 min.!) Now this mom was
feeling great & wanted to BF frequently. She was also in a private room. (I
was willing & able to spend more time with them than that-but I've been known
to adapt the policies to meet the individual situation.)
What kind of policies do other hospitals have regarding babies visiting moms
on other units? What kind of infection risks is this baby exposed to & what
are legal issues involved? (infection control & legal issues are not my areas
of expertise)
If this policy can be changed, we can do so with appropriate references.  I
would appreciate any info, advice & references.    Thanks all.  <3

Laura Hart, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Central Florida