Is breastfeeding promoted prior to newborn assessment?
There is no routine separation of baby immediately after birth. While breastfeeding is not promoted per se, this immediate postpartum time is opportune for initiation of breastfeeding. Be sure the nursery staff has a copy of your birth plan. Can all newborn assessments be performed in room with baby’s parents? Yes, but you must INSIST on it. They will try to persuade you that your baby can’t stay in your room because they have all the other babies to attend to. Anything routine (non-emergency) can be done in the mom’s room. Is there any mandatory separation of mother and baby? Not unless medically indicated. They will try to tell you that every baby needs to be observed in the nursery for a couple of hours. This is NOT hospital policy. Can baby room-in? Yes. Is there a lactation consultant on staff? There a night shift nurse who is a LC. She is not employed in that capacity by the hospital, but she does staff a breastfeeding “warm line.” If a mom has a question, she can call the number
