Oh, what a day,  the JACHO surveyors looked at our unit today and of
course we have been preparing for their visit for some time.  We are
proud of the work we have done, especially in the area of breastfeeding
and I will be presenting a performance improvement study for them on
Friday morning that demonstrates that over the past few years our
breastfeeding initiation rates have improved from 67% to 89%.  We have
lovely bar graphs, etc....and I'm nervous.....
Interestingly enough, as we were all gathered round the nurse's lounge
table, our unit manager, two staff nurses, LC (myself), three
physicians, the surveyor.. we are told that we might consider moving our
babies to the nursery when our mothers are sleeping in order to prevent
their abduction from the unit!!  Well, of course we mentioned that we
have a certificate of intent (to be Baby Friendly) and primarily that
this would undermine breastfeeding (and we've worked so hard, and do
have our detractors).  This kind of statement from a hospital
accreditation body has a lot of power and I'm very concerned about the
impact it may have on our unit. We don't even staff the nursery anymore,
unless we have a sick babe!  During my formal presentation Friday, I
will attempt to point out the importance of rooming in,  but admittedly
feel at a loss right this second. I never anticipated this kind of
comment.  Wow.
Thanks for listening.  Aaaargh! (as Dr. Jack would say)
Katherine Abdun-Nur RN IBCLC
Grants Pass, Oregon