Book Description
Documented research studies show the benefits of having postpartum mothers and infants rooming-in with each other. The process of rooming-in involves the mothers and infants not being separated during routine care, the infants would remain with the mother at all times unless a medically indicated reason arises. The outcomes of research studies support the need for rooming-in, that rooming-in has positively impacted the bonding process and increased breastfeeding results in those intending to breastfeed. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) support the step of rooming-in for postpartum couplets. These organizations recommend "that all healthy mothers and babies, regardless of feeding preference and method of birth, have uninterrupted skin-to-skin care" (Crenshaw, 2014, pages 212). During this time period, the bonding process is started and an early breastfeeding experience may occur. This paper will provide educational tools and a proposal for a 6 month pilot study on rooming-in and the effects of this process. Education for this departmental change would be given to the nursing staff after approval for the process has been obtained. An implementation plan for education of staff, mothers, and parents would be included along with an evaluation of the results. Staff Pre- and Post-tests would be given to determine effectiveness of mandatory education meetings, including their perceptions on their learning of the process. Parent initial questionnaires and 2 day questionnaires would be given, providing information on their learning processes and their overall perceptions of the process of rooming-inches A retrospective chart audit would be completed and compared with the pilot study, comparing the number of breast feeds per day and reasons as to why the infants were kept in the newborn nursery. The effects on the outcomes of breastfeeding and bonding would be provided in the dissemination plan and shared with the stakeholders involved. This paper will analyze the effects of rooming-in on the postpartum couplets, including their perceived outcomes related to bonding and breastfeeding.