I don't think that leaving the milk out at the bedside will be the answer.  I believe the guideline is one hour at room temperature in the HMBANA guidelines, which is what we use.  Also, if the milk is left at the bedside, what guarantees its safety from others taking it by accident, or God forbid, some psycho from tampering with it?  I don't think any NICU nurse (having been one for 10 years) will be physically able to stand guard to safeguard the milk--unless you have locked, refridgerated compartments at each bedside where the milk can be kept, it's probably safer to leave it in the refrigerator and get it out when it's needed.  In our facility, and in many others in the area, the policy for administration of breastmilk is to have two RNs check the patient ID number and last name of the baby to prevent errors.  When this policy has been followed, there have not been any errors reported.  What is your policy for checking blood when it is administered to an infant?  Same thing.  Treat the milk as the liquid gold that it is, and you can't go wrong.   Maureen Allen RN, BSN, IBCLC

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