Maternal involvement in the care of high risk infants in a sick newborn nursery--a prospective study
Mohan, V.M.; Karan, S.
Indian Pediatrics 23(2): 121-125
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 3710566 Document Number: 274488
There has always been an imperative need for prevention of undue separation of sick newborns from their mothers. The practice of isolating neonates in a sick nursery for treatment of common disorders is a heritage from the Western system. In our country it is impractical and unwarranted. Moreover, it places a heavy burden on the scarce nursing and medical staff of a busy neonatal service. This paper reflects the outcome of a prospective study wherein mothers were admitted to the ward along with their sick neonates and compared with control infants managed in isolated cribs and was found to be far more satisfactory in many respects. The mortality rates in infants managed by mothers was significantly less than in the control group. The incidence of breast feeding increased tremendously and follow up figures were striking. This may herald a new trend in the care of sick newborns in developing countries like ours.