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(00:00) Nurse Sarah Stephenson says staff always clearly endorse the twin status of the baby by labelling cot cards as Twin 1 and Twin 2.
(00:26) Nurse Jane Couch says one should ask the family if they are happy to have such labelling on the cot cards, especially after the death of one baby.
(01:28) Nurse Sarah Stephenson adds that it would be better to label the cot cards with the names of the babies instead of Twin ! and 2 because it's the identity of the baby.
(01:43) Dr Nicholas Embleton describes how the Butterfly sticker has become a visual recognition of the twin status of the surviving baby.
(02:41) Dr Jen Dixon mentions that when parents notice a Butterfly sticker in the ward, they share information amongst about the status of the surviving twin, so all are informed and mindful.
(03:04) Dr Nicholas Embleton says one should recognise all babies have names, and parents will appreciate if you make make the effort to ask the parent the name of the twin that died.
Guidelines: 2. Recognise twin status
- Most parents value continued acknowledgement that a surviving baby is a twin (or triplet/multiple)
- Establish whether or not the parents want their surviving baby to be referred to as a twin
- Find out the name of the baby who died by looking in notes or asking other staff
- Ask parents if they want to use the baby's name
- Use a Butterfly cot card or other symbol and ask parents if they want to write the name
- Some religious/cultural groups may prefer use of a star, heart or non-animate symbol
- Record parents wishes in the notes
- Share information at staff handover.
We should never presume what families want, and what they think.
It makes it easier to talk to the family about the baby they have lost if we have its name.
Post Views: 3
Hi
I wonder if you had alert stickers to place in the front of the health Care record denoting the death of one twin in utero. thus acknowledging the loss with the consent of the parents. the cot cards we can use postnatal
Kind regards
Margaret Ryan
CMS Bereavement and Loss
St. Luke’s Hospital
Kilkenny
Ireland