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Hi Jennifer,
At Mildura (Vic) we too have changed our practices. All babies
are weighed at birth and again when the Newborn Screening Test is
done in the 48 to 72 hour range. At that time we also do the only
length and head circumference measurement. The cord clamp is also
removed and Hep B given if requested.
If a baby has lost over 10% of its weight we would offer EBM as a
comp, fed with a syringe or cup or if there were obvious problems -
sleepy, jaundiced baby - a gavage feed or two, preferably with EBM or
reluctantly, formula. We would also encourage 3hrly breast
feeds. All after discussion with the mother.
These decisions are made by 2 midwives in consultation so formula is
avoided if at all possible.
We have an excellent Dom Mid service who see almost all
women after discharge especially those with any problems.
We have also changed our numbering of days after birth. The day
of birth is known as birth day (BD) and the defined change over time is
now midnight. This is also easier for the parents.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Anne Smith
I have been a subscriber for several years
and love the list but this is my first email to all you wise people
I am seeking your views to feedback to our LC
and Unit Manager of the Post Natal Ward of my medium sized maternity unit;
about 1500 births per year and a level 2 nursery.
Babies born after mid-day are day 0 that day and are called Day 1 the next
day if you get my drift!!!!!
Weighed at birth and again on Day 3, but for
some they are not 72 hours old when weighed on day 3. Then if they
have lost more that 10% of birth weight there may be more intervention,
i.e. refer to paed, test weigh and comp to quote. Comp to quote
would be with EBM or formula if not sufficient ebm. Given usually
with a nasogastric tube or a "finger feed" , rarely a bottle. We are
looking into benchmarking what other Units/hospitals are doing about
followup weighing of babies. Our visiting midwifery service
cannot home visit all mothers who go home on day 3, 4 or 5 etc. only those
with problems that need some followup.
Others are asked to go to the child health
clinic. All babies are weighed on discharge. Some mums do stay
4 or 5 days or longer if need be. What should we do
about the traditonal day 3 bare weighs??????
Looking forward to getting some help to
clarify this issue.
We do NST when the baby is over 48 hours old
and it used to be day 3 this was done but now its earlier and some go home
after this. What happens in your area. Thankyou
for your replies to this. Much happinessto you. Jennifer
Smyth
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