This is something that has always irritated me, also, but I try to pick and
choose my battles.  So try and evaluate how important this is right now.
Are there other "breastfeeding battles" you should be fighting?  I have
found that there are more urgent things to go after---like supplemental
bottles for breast fed babies and separation of moms and babies.

 

I've gone with the flow on this one---the patients don't see the  biohazard
sticker at our hospital because it's usually just the staff that has access
to the frig.  Management doesn't want to hear me on this, so I figure it is
one of the least harmful "concessions" I can give.   So we have a frig for
breast milk only---yes, it feeds the idea that it's somehow "yucky", but it
IS a body fluid and it IS a hospital, so I can see why they could be
concerned, even though they are ignorant. 

 

 Just my thoughts.

 

Melinda Lueck, RN, BSN, IBCLC

 

 

 

We are due for JCAHO visit and as usual this stirs up a hornets nest
everywhere. Today I was told that breastmilk was a biohazard (I know) and
that as such breastmilk had to be stored in a totally separate refrigerator
from formula. 

 

I have provided the CDC information (and the person telling me this is
Infectious Control nurse). Is there anything else out there "officially"
that I can provide? Of course I am home for the week so I don't have my
resources.

 

What about separate storage for breastmilk and formula? As far as I know it
is not necessary. Is anyone doing this and if so why? If you are not doing
it can you also let me know ( and where you are) as I have been told there
are various JCAHO sitings for storing them together.

 

Thanks,

Lisa Enger RN BSN IBCLC

Boston, MA

 


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