The Sunnyside Mother/Baby team found that regular nap times reduced the need for respite care and improved breastfeeding success.
Quiet on the Floor. It’s Nap Time
New moms need their rest, which can be difficult in a busy hospital. The Mother/Baby unit at Sunnyside Medical Center figured a regular nap time might work. After getting complaints about frequent interruptions, the team instituted a 1-3 p.m. nap time on the floor. They communicated this to all staff and to the families, leaving it to each mom how she wanted to handle it. The team also reduced lab draws and and dietary visits. Not only did requests for respite care go down but there was greater breastfeeding success and less reliance on formula.
Here's What Worked
- Instituting a regular nap time, testing both 1-3 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. slots
- Communicating to staff and families about nap time, to be quiet and posting alerts
- Coordinating with other departments to see if adjustments to time period are needed
What can your team do to try out different potiential solutions without being afraid of failure?
