Working Together for a Newborn and Mother

Working Together for a Newborn and Mother

An almost one month old infant was admitted to the Pediatric Units accompanied by his mother. While at the hospital, the mother began experiencing pain and eventually had to be admitted into the Emergency Department. 

The nurse in the ED who was caring for the mother recognized the complexity of this problem and took an important first step by bringing the mom's expressed breastmilk to the dad in order for the newborn to continue receiving breastmilk instead of formula. Jackie Adams, the nurse taking care of their baby and Dr. Elliott, the pediatrician on at the time, discussed bringing mom to the Pediatric Unit if she was admitted, which was discussed and approved by Dr. Liu, Kendra Ellison and Stanneshia Barnett.

The infant and mom shared adjoining rooms with a shared bathroom so they could be together while the father was able to stay as the infant's caregiver. The adult physicians (Amanda Balzer-Costin, CRNP and David McDermott, Jr.) along with the Pediatric Unit staff and pediatricians seamlessly coordinated care for both to make this possible. The parents were extremely happy with the arrangements which provided for an easier recovery for all. This successful blending of worlds (ED/Adult/Pediatrics) is a shining example of teamwork at its best and all with the goal of providing the best patient centered care available.