Bacterial colonization in neonates with sibling visitation.

The effect of postpartum sibling visitation on the incidence of bacterial colonization in neonates was investigated in a 25-bed ob/gyn unit at a military hospital. The visitation policy allowed siblings to visit with the infant at the mother's bedside, and siblings were allowed unrestricted contact with the infant after handwashing with an iodine scrub preparation. Data comparison revealed bacterial colonization on discharge in 70% of 214 control infants (admitted prior to sibling visitation program) and 67% of 182 study infants. It was concluded that postpartum sibling visitation did not increase the incidence of bacterial colonization in neonates.