Survey of Attitudes toward the Practice of Rooming-In
Maternal-child relationship is a process that begins during pregnancy and grows from the birth of the child on. An effective means of enhancing bonding is the practice of rooming-in. To study attitudes toward rooming-in 25 obstetricians and 24 hospitals were solicited through the mail. Thirty-five nurses employed by the above hospitals were surveyed. Twenty-four expectant mothers, who ranged in age from 21 to 33 yr. and were enrolled in birth preparation classes, were also surveyed. Only 2 ( 7 % ) of these women were multiparous. All participants were from metropolitan Philadelphia. Questionnaires requested data pertaining to delivery of rooming-in information by those groups giving services, encouragement of the rooming-in practice by those groups delivering services, and the incidence of rooming-in. Responses were tallied. Twelve (50%) of the expectant mothers felt they received adequate rooming-in information. However, resources for information came not from doctors, nurses, and hospitals, but from friends and books. Six ( 2 5 % ) of the expectant mothers stated they had discussed rooming-in with their obstetricians. Of this group, 5 (83%) stated they initiated the topic. Twelve (48%) of the obstetricians, 18 (75%) of the hospitals, and 29 (82%) of the nurses stated they would encourage patients to elect rooming-in. Yet the doctors and hospitals reported that only 20% and 27%, respectively, of their patients elect rooming-in. Encouragement toward rooming-in may be given to expectant mothers by obstetricians, nurses, and hospitals. It is possible, however, that expectant mothers are not perceiving or receiving this message. They do not view these groups as a resource for rooming-in information, thus insufficient discussion of rooming-in practices exists among groups who deliver obstetrical services. The responsibility rests with those who deliver services to the expectant mothers to provide information and support. Only then can expectant mothers clearly have options.