PQCNC has been asked by the March of Dimes (MOD) if the PQCNC EHM groups would be willing to include a new MOD program in the effort to increase exclusive human milk rates in NICUs and nurseries. The MOD module called "Close To Me" is designed to promote and support kangaroo care. The initial version of this module is designed with NICU infants in mind but MOD would like to modify this module for use in promoting skin to skin care in all newborns. There are presentations geared to families and providers. In addition to supplying us with the actual powerpoints, March of Dimes is willing to donate fliers and Close To Me Buttons to promote skin to skin efforts.
There was significant interest expressed by all centers attending the initial webinar in participating in developing a Nursery version of Close to Me. The meeting closed with a general agreement that the EHM Nursery Collaborative would identify a small working group interested in collaborating with MOD to create such a product.
The Working Group has convened and work is underway. Key thoughts the team is considering as they adapt the components:
• There needs to be an increased focus on the connection between S2S and breastfeeding – evidenced through pictures and research
• Content material needs to include the immediate post-partum S2S opportunities for dad
• The emphasis is on breast feeding, but not to exclude or alienate the bottle feeding parent
Once it is developed the larger PQCNC EHM Nursery Collaborative offers multiple unique laboratories in which to determine how Close To Me might be incorporated into couplet and well nursery care.
