Before being accepted for the Care by Parent Program, an infant must weigh at least 1500 g, be past the critical stage, be physiologically stable and no longer require intubation. Reid says this increases the possibility of early discharge and decreases the risk of readmission. Clinical neonatal specialist Carol Beaudoin, who with 2 other nurses was instrumental in developing the program, says Care by Parent gives parents a role in the planning and decision-making concerning their babies' care. Beaudoin says parents frequently feel overwhelmed in the NICU and experience a sense of loss as they relinquish the baby's care to professionals. The hospital has also discovered that parents provide good support for one another as they share knowledge and experiences.
Parents love it.
Beaudoin says mothers frequently stay around the clock, especially if they are breast-feeding, with fathers staying as much as work, family and other responsibilities allow. A relative or friend can also stay if this is preferred. Care by Parent, which was launched last May, is modelled on a program at the Rainbow Children's Hospital in Cleveland. Reid believes it is unique in Canada. Reid anticipates long-term savings because the program should reduce length of stay and demand for intensive nursing care.