Curiously, I just Thursday got back from the maternity ward with the newest little Chanclet. She’s 5 days old right now.
Small, well-equiped hospital in small town, rural Ohio.
And high tech as all get out when it comes to security.
Baby born.
Bracelet on arm identifying baby with serial number.
Identical bracelet on mother. No bracelet for father. The baby always points to the mother.
FIVE hospital staff of Nurse or Doctor rank have to certify the baby and mothers serial numbers before the baby can leave the birthing room.
Braceley placed on babies ankle. This bracelet is a radio transponder. No active transponder (i.e. attached to a baby) can approach any of the three deep exit doors. If they get within 10 feet the doors lock shut and cannot then be opened without multiple OKs from hospital staff. (Good thing there wasn’t a fire.)
Baby does NOT stay in the nursery except for shots and blood drawing and such. Evaluation (gestational age, jaundice, etc) are done in the birthing or recovery room with the parents present.
If the parents wish to escort the baby for medical work (aforementioned evaluations and such) they are allowed.
If the parents don’t wish to accompany then two medical professionals will certify the baby’s identity upon return.
Whew. By the time I was through with that it was like getting a security clearance again. In fact, I’ve had a better-than-top-secret clearance and it wasn’t that bad walking around the state department!