Q1: Sarah asks you if she can see her baby again. You kindly arranged a video call an hour ago as Baby Theo is still in another hospital.
Option 1: I will make a phone call to the other hospital to see if this is possible. The anxiety and stress for a mother like Sarah, whose child had surgery, must be enormous. Thus, decreasing her emotional distress and isolation and helping her throughout the difficult period. I will do my best to support her during the hospitalization period to strengthen her inner coping abilities.
Q2: Sarah is still on the ward away from her new-born baby. As you walk past you can see
option 2: Gain consent and introduce myself and offer reassurance and comfort. Then, I will use open questions, and ask her to express why she feels upset: “Could you tell me what’s caused you to feel this way, please? I will listen actively and respectfully to the response.
The feeling of being understood by another person is intrinsically therapeutic. It bridges the isolation of loneliness and helps to restore the sense of connectedness that patients need to feel whole. The foundation of empathetic communication is based on accurately understanding the patient’s feelings and effectively communicating that understanding back to the patient so the patient feels understood
Question3: Sarah calls you over and informs you that she is going to self discharge and go to see her baby at the local hospital.
Option 2- in this situation, Sarah has the right and capacity to make decisions for herself. However, I would provide her with clear and unbiased information about her post-operative conditions and health and that it is in her best interest not to leave the hospital at the moment due to her current medication and most of all for her health and safety. Also, to find other ways to support her in making contact with baby Theo. In doing so, there will be a sense of security and support element for her as a mother
