The conventional hospital nursery, where infants can be seen sleeping in front of a picture window, has long been a part of maternity wards across the nation. But facilities in Boston and other cities are shifting away from such nurseries, according to a report from The Boston Globe.
Here are four things to know about the trend.
1. Massachusetts hospitals are increasingly limiting access to nurseries or, in some states, have closed the nurseries altogether, according to the report. For instance, in Boston, Boston Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital have taken such steps, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is following them. Brigham and Women's Hospital also expects to shift away from the conventional hospital nursery, the report notes.
2. The phasing out of nurseries for routine use comes amid a nationwide push to promote breastfeeding, bonding and parenting skills by having mothers and healthy newborns room together at all times, while being looked after by nurses, according to The Boston Globe. For instance, room-sharing is a key part of the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund's Baby-Friendly initiative, and the Joint Commission looks at breastfeeding rates when it evaluates hospitals, the report notes.
3. Hospital leaders at Massachusetts General and other facilities contend the shift away from nurseries is backed by a strong body of research, according to the report. But some patients, as well as some nurses, aren't on the same page. According to the report, these patients and nurses said brief breaks in a nursery will not negatively impact breast feeding in the long run, and it is important mothers rest so they stay healthy, and so serious problems like postpartum depression are prevented.
4. Hospitals said they do have exceptions, particularly for medical reasons and if a mother suffers from extreme exhaustion, according to The Boston Globe.