Cobedding in the NICU: A New Adventure

Taylor, Cheryl R. RNC, MSN, CNNP
LaMar, Kimberly L. RNC, ND, CNNP

About the Authors
Cheryl Taylor obtained her BSN from Eastern Michigan University and her MSN and NNP training from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She was employed as a neonatal nurse practitioner at the University of Michigan for six years. She presently works at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mrs. Taylor is currently president of the Southeastern Michigan Association of Neonatal Nurses and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Lambda and Zeta Rho chapters.
Kimberly LaMar obtained her AND from the University of Toledo, her BSN from Lourdes College in Ohio, her MSN from the Medical College of Ohio as a CNS in parent-child nursing, and her doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. She completed her nurse practitioner training from West Virginia University. Dr. LaMar is a charter member of the Zeta Theta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau and is currently the director of professional practice, development and research as well as the interim CNO at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona.

Accepted for publication April 2005. Revised June 2005.

For further information, please contact: Cheryl R. Taylor, RNC, MSN, CNNP 630 Nelson Street Brighton, MI 48116 E-mail: [email protected]

Neonatal Network 25(6):p 413-418, November-December 2006.

Abstract

With advances in neonatal and obstetric care over the past few years, the number of premature, multiple-birth neonates entering NICUs has increased. As we have started to recognize the special bond that twins and higher multiples share, cobedding has emerged as an NICU practice. As with any change, the introduction of cobedding presents challenges in the NICU. Both the theoretical benefits and the potential concerns are many. Although nursing staff and parents may be excited about the prospect of placing these infants in the same crib, careful investigation and planning are necessary for any new procedure. This article discusses the cobedding of multiples as implemented at the University of Michigan. As a new practice, cobedding warrants further research, especially regarding its proposed benefits and implementation in the NICU.