CPS called on parents because of Jaundice after Pediatrician gives ok to release baby in Las Vegas

http://www.ktnv.com/story/14338042/baby

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Friday, March 25, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

April Kermani, Certified Professional Midwife

702.622.5943

april@babys1stday.com

BABY HELD AT HOSPITAL, NURSE CALLS CPS WITHOUT CAUSE AFTER PEDIATRICIAN GIVES OK TO RELEASE BABY

Las Vegas, NV – A mother laboring under the care of Certified Professional Midwife, April Kermani was transported to Summerlin Hospital Tuesday for stalled labor. Dr. Donald Roberts assumed care, and the mother gave birth vaginally to a healthy baby girl about 7 hours after admission. On Wednesday the parents, Cecilia and Lincoln Rogers, were told they could not be discharged without a blood test for jaundice, a common and typically harmless condition among newborns. The test results came back with slightly elevated levels of bilirubin, indicating a mild case of jaundice. 

The nursing staff told the parents they would have to place their daughter, Lilia Taylor Rogers, in isolation to undergo phototherapy and not allowed to nurse, but fed artificially with formula instead.  They refused the treatment since newborn jaundice will usually resolve itself within two weeks. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends that jaundiced newborns continue to breastfeed regularly, as frequent feedings help remove bilirubin in the body.  They were told by the attending pediatrician they were cleared to take the baby home and follow up with their midwife and pediatrician over the next several days.

 A pediatric nurse then reported the parents to social services and the police, for unknown reasons. Their newborn baby was held against the parents' will at Summerlin Hospital for well over 24 hours.  “We are being treated like criminals,” says the distraught mother.  The CPS social worker calls the case “ridiculous.” Lilia’s bilirubin levels were back within the normal range very quickly. 

Baby Lilia was released to her parents after being separated for over 24 hours. The family is enjoying being at home and loving their new baby, but will now have endure the stress of going through the CPS system unnecessarily. 

Jaundice and Treatment Information: 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001559.htm

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Management of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn infant 35 or more weeks of gestation. Pediatrics. 2004;114:297-316.