Newborn falls in Pennsylvania: An analysis of recent events and a review of prevention strategies (5 December 2019)

Summary

Despite increasing recognition of the potential risks associated with in-hospital newborn falls among health professionals, new parents are frequently unaware of the possibility of dropping their newborn, especially in the hospital. Although most newborn falls do not result in lasting harm to the newborn, they may need additional healthcare services and cause stress to the parents.

Content

The report suggests strategies to prevent newborn falls in the hospital, whichl include:

• focusing efforts on providing support for exhausted parents during the critical time following the birth
• offering periods of rest for new parents whenever they are tired
• increasing the frequency of rounding when new mothers are breastfeeding
• promoting a midday break in visiting hours.

In cases where a newborn fall event does occur, facilities should provide support to both injured newborns and any caregivers involved. In many cases, parents and other caregivers may benefit from counselling to help them better navigate the emotional turmoil that often follows these events.