Problem and Hypothesis:
While significant neonatal weight loss is a concern for health care professionals as well as families, some of this weight loss may result from neonatal diuresis of extra fluids transferred from the mother. In response to this neonatal weight loss, interventions such as formula supplementation may occur. To date no study has examined a relationship between intrapartum maternal fluid intake, neonatal weight loss and neonatal output.     
Research Question: “Is there a relationship associated with fluids a mother takes in during the labor process to newborn weight loss, intake& output after delivery?”
            Newman’s systems model presents a holistic wellness view..
The mother and infant have separate yet intertwining systems. During the initial period after birth, the neonate’s system begins to function independently of the mother’s, yet, lingering influences from the maternal system are apparent in the transitional period.
 Literature supports the transfer of both fluids and solutes across the placental membrane (Brace, 2006; Singhi, Chookang, & Kalghatgi, 1985), so a mother receiving an increased amount of intravenous fluids during labor would transfer these fluids to the amniotic fluid and her fetus.    The fetal/neonate’s body will respond and healthy neonate kidneys excrete excess fluids.   Generally, neonate weight loss is related to limited fluid and energy (Dewey, Nommen-Rivers, Heinig, & Cohen, 2003); however, some of this weight loss could also reflect diuresis of the fluids received in intrapartum.
      Study methodology: non experimental research design with both linear regression and descriptive statistics. The milliliters of intravenous and oral fluids administered to a mother from intrapartum admission to birth of the neonate are recorded. Neonate weight loss, amount of neonate urine and stools every 24 hours, and number of neonate feedings were measured. Bedside nurses were developed as data collectors. 
      A convenience sample of 200 consenting mothers and their term newborns were retained. The Optimality Index of Murphy and Fullerton (2006) guided the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data began in the mother’s intrapartum period on the Labor and Delivery unit and ended in with discharge from the Mother-Infant unit.
       Data Analysis and Interpretation:  Results of the interrelationships between maternal fluids and neonatal outcomes are described in the context of influences of the delivery type, Pitocin use,  & gender. Feeding type and average number of wets are significantly related to neonatal weight loss, and the neonate’s gender is also a strong predictor.
         Implications: Findings will enhance wellness-focused maternity practice and support optimal outcomes for the childbearing family.  Valuable information about factors that contribute to neonatal weight loss will impact care. Understanding patient demographics and in-hospital care events, nurses and lactation specialists can design primary interventions to predict and explain weight loss in neonates.   
      Further study of maternal fluid retention in the postpartum period is needed.  Nurses have observed an increase in the number of milliliters of IV fluids given to mothers during labor and for epidural insertions.  Few studies exist that identify safe amounts of fluids during labor. Related impact on the postpartum mother’s breast fullness, diuresis and retention should be studied.