Letters

I would like to draw the attention of risk managers to the increasing practice of encouraging babies to share beds in hospital with mothers.

Maternity units taking part in the UNICEF baby-friendly initiative have not always followed the clear guidelines from UNICEF and FSID.

Bed-sharing in maternity units and paediatric wards increases the risk of serious accidents such as fractured skulls and suffocation.

It also increases the risk of subsequent cot death in infancy unless the guidelines are applied correctly.

Bed-sharing should only be allowed in hospital if there is written confirmation:

that neither parent is or has been a cigarette-smoker during pregnancy;

that the parent is not tired;

that the parent has had no sedatives, strong analgesics or alcohol in the past 24 hours;

that the bed, bedding and any attachments have been scrutinised and approved as safe so that the trust knowingly takes responsibility for any accidents including death from trauma, strangulation or suffocation.

The UNICEF guidelines are clear. Managers need to ensure that the enthusiasm for breastfeeding is maintained without increasing the chances of any of these serious consequences of bed-sharing for babies.

Dr Richard Wilson Consultant paediatrician Kingston Hospital Surrey

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