KEEPING MOM & BABY TOGETHER INITIATIVE

This petition is to rally support behind a federal bill proposal to ensure throughout the country, moms have the choice to be transported along with their newborn in the event if there is a medical emergency.   In addition to years of research, it is also essential to demonstrate public support through this petition.

Alice’s Story:

My daughter, Alice, was due on Christmas day back in 2018.  The universe had other plans, and Alice was born the week of Thanksgiving by an emergency Cesarean section.  

24 hours after birth, Alice’s lung collapsed and she had to have neonatal transfer to a hospital 40 miles away. I signed the paperwork to have Alice receive neonatal transfer.  After I had asked multiple times to different healthcare providers, I was informed I would not be provided maternal transport and that there was no legal obligation for the hospital to do so.  

The first hours were critical, the amount of stress on both myself and Alice was increased significantly due to the separation.  Skin-to-skin contact is essential to help promote a healthy birth weight and decrease stress and anxiety for both mom and baby.

On Thanksgiving Day I was discharged from my initial hospital and joined my daughter.  Today my little Alice is a thriving 6 year old girl with a smile that can light up any room.  While Alice's story has a happy ending, the enduring stress for both Alice and I had an impact for both of our recoveries.  

Unfortunately, Alice's story is a common one.  Please join us in this crucial effort by signing this petition today.  Let us raise the bar in Maternal Health together and ensure we keep moms and babies together.

Initiative Summary:

In the event of a medical emergency, if a baby needs neonatal transport to another hospital for medical care then the mom must be provided the option for maternal transport.  If the mom is in stable condition and elects for maternal transport, she will be accepted and treated as a patient at the receiving hospital.

Why This Initiative Is Important:

1.       Fostering the bond between mom and baby with skin-to-skin contact can improve the chances of the baby’s overall health.

2.       Every mom deserves to have her voice heard and provided the option to be with her baby in the event of a medical emergency.

3.       Improve Maternal Mental Health for moms by providing the opportunity for mom and baby to be together in the event of a medical emergency.

Medical Necessity:

It is critical to keep mom and baby together to enable skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding, both of which are essential for the baby's survival rate.

Per the National Library of Medicine, “A crucial practice for safe and healthy birth is keeping mothers and newborns together, which ensures unlimited opportunities for skin-to-skin care (SSC) and breastfeeding. Mothers and newborns have an emotional and physiologic need to be together during the moments, hours, and days following birth. Being together leads to optimal maternal and newborn outcomes. Routine separation of healthy mothers and newborns is harmful and negatively effects short- and long-term health outcomes and breastfeeding success. Childbirth educators and health professionals must address this vital need for unlimited opportunities for SSC and breastfeeding to promote optimal maternal and child outcomes.”

In comparison of babies who did not receive skin-to-skin care, babies who receive skin-to-skin care experience:

• Enhanced cardio respiratory stability
  Improved oxygen saturation levels
• More stable blood glucose levels
• Better thermal regulation
• Decrease in salivary cortisol levels (biochemical marker for stress)
• Increase protection against infection
• Promotes breastfeeding, which is essential for providing the baby with the best start in life. These benefits not only aid in the immediate postpartum period but also have long-term positive effects on the child's health and development.

Furthermore, the practice of keeping moms and babies together enhances parental confidence, fostering a nurturing environment that strengthens family bonds. Health professionals are encouraged to support this practice by creating hospital policies that prioritize the mom-baby dyad, ensuring that they remain together unless there is a compelling medical reason for separation.

There are 1,424 NICUs in the United States as of 2023. Over 300,000 babies were transported to NICUs in 2023 throughout the country. This significant number underscores the important role that NICUs play in providing specialized care for newborns with complex medical needs. With advancements in neonatal medicine, these units are equipped to handle a variety of conditions, ensuring that babies receive the best possible start in life. The presence of NICUs across the nation also highlights the importance of accessible healthcare services for families, allowing them to remain close to their babies during such a vulnerable time.

The transportation of over 300,000 babies to NICUs each year emphasizes the need for seamless care transitions and the implementation of supportive policies like the Keeping Mom and Baby Together Initiative. By facilitating maternal transport alongside neonatal transport, hospitals can enhance the emotional well-being of families, reduce stress, and promote better health outcomes for both moms and babies. This holistic approach to care not only benefits individual families but also contributes to the overall health and well-being of communities, reinforcing the value of family-centered healthcare practices.

By advocating for these practices, healthcare systems can help lay the foundation for healthier families and communities, emphasizing the need for compassionate, evidence-based care that recognizes the profound connection between mom and baby.