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.
What would you do?
Firstly, I would ensure Sarah knows I have herd her request and will work to ensure she can get another video call from the other hospital.
Next I will call the other hospital to choose a time Sarah can video call her baby again. Neonatal nurses make it their priority to ensure parents are able to interact with their babies when they are separated so I know they will priorities Sarahs request. I will also request Theos schedule and find out from Theos nurse, when are the best times to video call Theo throughout the day. This will give Sarah specific times to look forward to throughout the day.
I will also reassure her that Theo is well taken care of in the Neonatal Unit.
Q2: Sarah is still on the ward away from her newborn baby. As you walk past you can see that the curtains around the bed space are closed and you can hear crying. No other staff are around.
What would you do?
Ask Sarah if you can come into the bed space and offer to support her. Listen to her concerns and put a plan of action in place for how her concerns can be better managed.
Q3: Sarah calls you over and informs you that she is going to self-discharge and go to see her baby at the local hospital.
What would you do?
Explain to Sarah that it would not be in her best interests to leave the hospital at the moment due to her current medication, post-operative condition and health. Agree to have a chat with her and the ward manager about how you can facilitate more contact with Baby Theo to ensure they are bonding as much as possible.
