Dear Administrator of our Hospital:

Dear XXXXXXX:

It has been brought to my attention that the hospital has recently stopped letting Moms of preemies room in with their babies for the last 48 hours of their stay. I know this policy was in place to ensure breastfeeding could observed and the Moms could receive guidance from the nurses and the lactation consultant. It was to ensure that breastfeeding was going well and that baby was gaining weight . I also know a room was provided near the NICU so Moms could stay near by. It was also brought to my attention that this room is no longer available and that recently a new Mom who wanted to stay was told she couldn't use the waiting rooms on the floor to be close to her baby.

I just wanted to know if there is any truth to this or if this is all rumors. If it is true, why have you taken that room away? Why are Moms not allowed to stay on the floor to be near their babies? Do you realize how you are endangering the health of these little babies? Do you realize how you are hurting the bond between these new Moms and their precious little ones?

I used to work in your facility. I know how you proclaim yours is a breastfeeding friendly facility and that breastfeeding education is a big part of postpartum care on the maternity floor. (I can't even say how many breastfeeding flow sheets I have filled out or have helped other new moms fill out--too many to count.) I have helped many new Moms get their babies off to the best start possible. That is why I am very confused about this new policy I have heard about. What sort of provisions are going to be made for Moms of preemies who are committed to nursing if they can't have a safe place to practice? Is there another plan in place that you haven't told anyone about? Is this temporary? What is in that room instead? I checked the hospital website and it still promises parents they can room in. Will the website be changed to reflect the truth?

I think it is appalling that on the surface you proclaim to be a breastfeeding friendly facility and then think it is ok to turn your back on the Moms and babies who need the most help.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and answer my questions.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Mother Who Used to be a Nurse in Your Facility


I will be printing out that letter (with real names) and mailing it to my hospital today. What do you think? If you are as upset as I am about this leave me a comment and I will provide an email address for you to voice your own concerns. Hopefully if enough people show their concern the Powers That Be will realize what a horrible mistake they have made.