June 11, 2003

Dear NYU Pediatrician,

As a result of feedback from our patients and staff, we targeted the post-partum unit for improvement. The transition to Mother-Baby Nursing is the primary initiative to enhance patient and staff satisfaction.

The OB Nursing Staff will be implementing Mother-Baby Nursing as of June 30, 2003.

In Mother-Baby Nursing, one nurse cares for both mother and newborn in partnership with a nursing attendant and/or a licensed practical nurse. Mother-Baby Nursing asserts that mother and baby should not be separated unless it is the mother’s preference or clinically indicated.

• Mother-Baby Nursing is not the same as rooming-in. While both Mother-Baby Nursing and rooming-in promote the baby at mother’s bedside, Mother-Baby does not require the mother to physically care for her baby.
• There will still be a Nursery. In Mother-Baby Nursing, the Nursery will function as a “respite” or “holding” nursery. The Mother-Baby nurse cares for the baby regardless of whether the baby is in the Nursery or at the mother’s bedside.
• Mothers do not have to keep their babies at bedside. Mother-Baby Nursing allows the mother to choose where she wants her baby. Whenever a baby is in the Nursery, a nursing staff member will be assigned to the Nursery.
• The nurses will be trained in newborn care.
• Babies’ charts will remain in the Nursery, and the flow sheets will be attached to the cribs.
• While Pediatricians are encouraged to examine babies in the mothers’ rooms, babies can be brought back to the Nursery at your request.
• If you choose to examine your babies in the Nursery, please call the Nursery to let them know what time you will be there, so that we can make sure the babies are available to you in the Nursery while maximizing the time the babies spend at bedside.

Please contact us if you have any questions as we prepare for the transition to Mother-Baby Nursing. We also are interested in your feedback following implementation.

Sincerely,