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Recommended Citation
Morimoto G, Staude B, Stevenson K, et al. Preventing Infant Falls: Empowering Parents Through Safe Sleep Education. Quality Improvement poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Presentation Notes
Quality Improvement poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Abstract
Background:
In-hospital newborn falls, often linked to maternal fatigue during postpartum recovery, present significant safety concerns. Factors such as sleep deprivation, pain, medication, age, multiparity and type of delivery can impair a mother’s ability to safely hold and care for her infant, increasing the risk of accidental drops. Implementing safe sleep practices and educating parents are critical strategies to mitigate these risks.
Local Problem:
Our hospital identified a concerning number of newborn falls, predominantly occurring during nighttime hours when mothers, exhausted from childbirth, breastfeeding and caregiving, inadvertently fell asleep while holding their infants. This pattern highlighted the need for a targeted intervention to enhance infant safety during the postpartum hospital stay.
Method:
A multidisciplinary team developed and implemented a comprehensive initiative focusing on staff training, parental education, and environmental modifications. Key components include:
• Regular assessments of maternal fatigue by nursing staff.
• Educational sessions for parents on safe sleep practices, emphasizing the importance of placing infants in bassinets or calling for help when fatigued.
Results/Conclusions:
Post-implementation data is still being collected. Results are expected to indicate a reduction in infant falls and near-miss incidents with increased parental feedback reflecting increased awareness of safe sleep practices.
Implications for Practice:
This initiative underscores the importance of proactive education and support for new mothers to prevent infant falls, foster a culture of safety, promote maternal well-being and enhance infant protection during the post-partum period.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-12-2025
Preventing Infant Falls: Empowering Parents Through Safe Sleep Education
Background:
In-hospital newborn falls, often linked to maternal fatigue during postpartum recovery, present significant safety concerns. Factors such as sleep deprivation, pain, medication, age, multiparity and type of delivery can impair a mother’s ability to safely hold and care for her infant, increasing the risk of accidental drops. Implementing safe sleep practices and educating parents are critical strategies to mitigate these risks.
Local Problem:
Our hospital identified a concerning number of newborn falls, predominantly occurring during nighttime hours when mothers, exhausted from childbirth, breastfeeding and caregiving, inadvertently fell asleep while holding their infants. This pattern highlighted the need for a targeted intervention to enhance infant safety during the postpartum hospital stay.
Method:
A multidisciplinary team developed and implemented a comprehensive initiative focusing on staff training, parental education, and environmental modifications. Key components include:
• Regular assessments of maternal fatigue by nursing staff.
• Educational sessions for parents on safe sleep practices, emphasizing the importance of placing infants in bassinets or calling for help when fatigued.
Results/Conclusions:
Post-implementation data is still being collected. Results are expected to indicate a reduction in infant falls and near-miss incidents with increased parental feedback reflecting increased awareness of safe sleep practices.
Implications for Practice:
This initiative underscores the importance of proactive education and support for new mothers to prevent infant falls, foster a culture of safety, promote maternal well-being and enhance infant protection during the post-partum period.
Affiliations
Aurora West Allis Medical Center