Enabling Safe and Close Care in Postnatal Environments: a pilot trial of portable neonatal sleep spaces to support optimal breastfeeding, close care and safe sleep

This pilot study aimed to determine the acceptability and feasibility of two novel infant sleep spaces for newborns devised to promote closeness and consistency with safe sleeping recommendations within the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) maternity unit. Impact upon breastfeeding outcomes and maternal-infant attachment were monitored to inform the development of a larger trial. The study utilised a concurrent mixed methods design with a pilot observational descriptive and randomised controlled design. The trial was conducted in three phases: 1) pilot of the study protocol with mothers and babies (Phase 1 and 2), and 2) evaluation of staff perceptions relating to impact of the safe sleep enablers on provision of care, and awareness of safe sleeping recommendations (Phase 3). The trial is in the preliminary analysis phase, however results to date show that the study cots give mothers more opportunities and choices to care for their baby than the standard newborn cots. Bed sharing is common both in hospital and in the community. Midwives do provide essential SUDI prevention education; however some do not emphasise the importance of childhood immunisations and the risks associated with sleeping an infant with an adult on the sofa. Breastfeeding rates were well above the national average by 4 months of age. No adverse events were reported during the course of this trial.