Deaths and near deaths of healthy newborn infants while bed sharing on maternity wards

Area of Science:

• Medical Examiner Reports
• Infant Mortality Studies
• Maternal-Child Health

Background:

• Bed sharing on maternity wards is promoted by initiatives like the 'Baby Friendly' (BF) initiative.
• The BF initiative encourages breastfeeding through skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in policies.
• Potential risks associated with bed sharing in the hospital setting require careful evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate programs that promote bed sharing on maternity wards.
• To identify strategies for mitigating the risks associated with infant bed sharing in hospitals.

Main Methods:

• Data was collected from members of the National Association of Medical Examiners.
• Information was requested regarding infant deaths and near deaths occurring during bed sharing on maternity wards.

Main Results:

• Fifteen infant deaths and three near-death incidents were reported.
• All reported cases involved at least one risk factor associated with bed sharing.
• Accidental suffocation was identified as the most probable cause of these incidents.

Conclusions:

• Infant deaths and near deaths associated with maternity ward bed sharing are likely underreported.
• Enhanced maternal education and more effective monitoring protocols are crucial for reducing bed-sharing risks.
• Implementing these measures can significantly decrease the incidence of adverse events during bed sharing on maternity wards.