Maternal Use of the Baby Box in the Early Postpartum Period
Mentor 1
Jennifer Doering
Location
Union Wisconsin Room
Start Date
5-4-2019 1:30 PM
End Date
5-4-2019 3:30 PM
Description
The purpose of this study is to evaluate maternal use of a baby box in the early postpartum. Baby boxes, decorative cardboard boxes containing a mattress and fitted sheet, are being distributed by several health systems in Milwaukee. Baby boxes are intended to encourage safe infant sleep; however, little is known about the rates of reported use in early postpartum. A baby box program was initiated where nurses offered a baby box to all mothers who gave birth at an urban Midwestern hospital. Postpartum nurses were provided education on teaching box safety. During a routine postpartum follow-up phone call at 2-3 days after discharge, mothers were asked two additional questions determine if the box was being used and where the infant would be sleeping if not in the box. Mothers (n =1,312) who gave birth at a tertiary urban Midwestern hospital over 13 months (Oct 2017-18). Results were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Of 1,312 responses received, 62% of respondents reported using the baby box and 14% reported they were not using the box. Of those who indicated they were using the baby box, nine percent reported having no other safe sleep space, such as a bassinet, etc. Box use could not be assessed in 24% of mothers due to NICU hospitalization, non-English speaking, etc. Baby boxes appear to be well accepted in this sample with more than half of mothers who received a baby box reporting is the use of the box early postpartum. For some mothers, the baby box served as the sole safe sleep space for the infant. When considering the utility and safety of baby boxes, future work should consider the role of baby boxes to support safe sleep in vulnerable mothers and infants.
Maternal Use of the Baby Box in the Early Postpartum Period
Union Wisconsin Room
The purpose of this study is to evaluate maternal use of a baby box in the early postpartum. Baby boxes, decorative cardboard boxes containing a mattress and fitted sheet, are being distributed by several health systems in Milwaukee. Baby boxes are intended to encourage safe infant sleep; however, little is known about the rates of reported use in early postpartum. A baby box program was initiated where nurses offered a baby box to all mothers who gave birth at an urban Midwestern hospital. Postpartum nurses were provided education on teaching box safety. During a routine postpartum follow-up phone call at 2-3 days after discharge, mothers were asked two additional questions determine if the box was being used and where the infant would be sleeping if not in the box. Mothers (n =1,312) who gave birth at a tertiary urban Midwestern hospital over 13 months (Oct 2017-18). Results were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Of 1,312 responses received, 62% of respondents reported using the baby box and 14% reported they were not using the box. Of those who indicated they were using the baby box, nine percent reported having no other safe sleep space, such as a bassinet, etc. Box use could not be assessed in 24% of mothers due to NICU hospitalization, non-English speaking, etc. Baby boxes appear to be well accepted in this sample with more than half of mothers who received a baby box reporting is the use of the box early postpartum. For some mothers, the baby box served as the sole safe sleep space for the infant. When considering the utility and safety of baby boxes, future work should consider the role of baby boxes to support safe sleep in vulnerable mothers and infants.
