Benefits of maternal participation in newborn nurseries
Sasidharan, C.K.; Gokul, E.; Anoop, P.; Vijayakumar, M.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics 72(10): 829-833
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5456 PMID: 16272652 DOI: 10.1007/bf02731108Document Number: 258777
Objective: To evaluate the outcome of active involvement of mothers/mother substitutes in day-to-day care of high risk neonates admitted in a level II neonatal care unit (Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Kozhikode, Kerala, India). Methods: An observational study was conducted over a period of 11 years (1991-2001) incorporating active participation of mothers/substitute mothers in the day-to-day care of their sick neonates. The outcome was assessed in terms of mortality due to 3 major illnesses (asphyxia, sepsis and prematurity). The data were compared with that of a similar level II care centre where conventional neonatal care was practised. Results: There was a significant and sustainable reduction in neonatal mortality due to the 3 major illnesses when mothers/mother substitutes were involved in neonatal care, in spite of a considerable increase in the number of admissions during this period. Conclusion: The concept of active participation of mothers/substitute mothers in neonatal nursery ensures 1:1 care at all times. It is a cheap and effective alternative to inadequacy of bed:nurse ratio (BNR).
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