Abbott Northwestern apologizes for baby breastfeeding mix-up - KMSP-TV

A baby mix-up at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis unnerved a new mom from Apple Valley, Minn., and will require her newborn son to undergo tests every three months until he is a year old.

Tammy gave birth to her baby boy, Cody, on Monday. Around 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, a nurse came to tell her there had been a mix-up earlier in the morning.

At about 8:30 a.m., Tammy's baby had been taken to another mother for breastfeeding. The other mom, who had twins, had just begun feeding when she knew something wasn't right. She checked the ankle bracelet and discovered that it was not her son.

Abbott Northwestern confirmed the mix-up and explained that at some point overnight in the nursery, babies had been placed in the wrong bassinets.

Before Tammy and Cody could leave the hospital on Thursday, she and her son and the other mother had to undergo testing for HIV and hepatitis, which involved blood draws. In order to get enough blood from the newborn, they needed to tap a vein. A simple finger poke wouldn't suffice in this case.

Tammy said instead of being a happy new mom home with her newborn on Wednesday, she spent most of the day in tears. She said it wouldn't be as bad if the other mother hadn't breastfed her son.

The mix-up alone has been traumatic, but the fact that another woman breastfed her son is horrifying to her.

Abbott Northwestern gave Tammy an apology letter that promises a full investigation and an assurance that they will cover the costs of additional tests.

Penny Wheeler, MD, a practicing obstetrician and chief clinical officer of Allina Health, which owns Abbott Northwestern, released the following statement:

"On behalf of Abbott Northwestern, I am very sorry this incident occurred. Providing the best possible patient experience and care quality is our foremost concern and this incident should not have occurred. As an obstetrician, I have personally seen verification of the infant's identifying name band matched correctly with the mother's on hundreds of occasions. It is extremely unfortunate that was not the case this time. We sincerely apologize to the involved families and will make certain we understand why our procedures were not appropriately followed in this case."