A new model of care is being introduced at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital that will provide parents with an opportunity to spend more time with their newborns. The Departments of Obstetrics and Pediatrics will begin the Mother-Baby model of care on September 29.
This method of care combines the traditional roles of the nursery and postpartum nurse so that one nurse cares for the mother-baby pair in the same room. The model eliminates the need for a well baby nursery.
“We are looking forward to implementing this new model of care for parents and their newborns,” said Kathy Larter, Nurse Manager for Unit four at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. “This model is already being used in other provinces, and has been used at the Prince County Hospital for a number of years. Research has shown this method has numerous benefits. Parents have more opportunities to ask questions and discuss concerns, and they can learn more from watching health care professionals care for the infant at the bedside.”
The Mother-Baby model of care has also been shown to help build parental confidence. Research also shows that continuous contact between parents and baby increases the chances of successful breast-feeding. The family is more attune with their baby’s cues for feedings as well as sleeping patterns.
Newborns’ immune systems are not fully developed for several months. As a result, they need to be protected from infections. Having one nurse care for both mother and baby in the same room decreases the number of people in contact with the baby and the chance of spreading infection.
There are times when Mother-Baby care is not possible. Some examples would include a premature or unwell infant. These babies would be cared for in the Intermediate Nursery or the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. There may also be occasions where the mother is too ill to participate in Mother-Baby care. However, during these circumstances, mothers and babies will be encouraged to spend as much time together as possible.