Last month I asked for feedback on how those of you in an nicu setting are
labeling breastmilk, accounting for meds, and assuring the milk is not given
to the wrong baby. This is what I heard. I hope it includes everyone's
comments to me. Thanks to those who responded.
14 sites use a labeling system that includes: name, date, time of expression.
12 sites did not account for meds. One of which said they did look at the
prenatal record to review that and birth meds. One said moms verbally report
meds.
3 sites used a 2nd colored small circular label. One of these sites uses this
to acknowledge time thawed, rn initial and additves. The other randomly
assign colored circles to each bottle or bag. (Only one site allowed bags).
1 site removes the sticker on the bottle and adhere it to the fluid section
of the chart.
7 sites have the milk double checked by another nurse or a parent. One of
these sites actually has the other person initial in the chart.
1 site has limited access to heat or refrigeration, so all milk is pumped at
the bedside and given fresh.
Lastly, 1 site had been sued over a breastmilk exposure and the parent was
awarded damages.
We trudge on toward updating our system.
Warmly,
Chris in colorful cincinnati

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