The EHM Well Learning Session was extremely well attended (18 teams) and had several memorable moments, not the least which was the loss of power in the afternnon session which offered Greta Blythe and Marty the opportunity to speak and facilitate in a cozy, dark, warm and intimate environment. You all were incredibly tolerant and most inspiring. Centers discussed at length opportunites to further improve skin to skin time in the golden hour. Strategies included eliminating procedures previously considered "standard" (baths, shots etc), reminding staff that this period does not require the baby be put immediately to the breast, but rather skin to skin, and focused conversations between maternal and nursery nurses regrading the goal of skin to skin for one hour. Several centers remarked on challenges related to limiting separation of mom and baby, especially for procedures and care in their facilities. Some centers have expereinced this challenge and after long periods are seeing success in breaking down traditional models of newborn care that have led to such separation.
A fantastic mom gave a very interesting view of her introduction to breastfeeding, including an aggrsssive effort to start breastfeeding immediately after birth which she found excessive. As it was in the NICU session, we were all reminded of the value having a regualr particpating family member on our human milk team might be.
Keep up the great work everyone. The efforts to improve practice and deal with key drivers outlined in the action plans is clearly occuring. Critical also is that we develop methods at our hsoptials to enter the data that supports the great work being done!
