Which statement best reflects the core benefit of couplet care in the hospital setting?

• A. It reduces staff efficiency
• B. Delays discharge
• C. Increases nurse workload
• D. It fosters family-centered care and extended contact

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that keeping the mother and newborn together with the same care team strengthens family-centered care through extended, uninterrupted contact. In couplet care, the same nurse or team supports both mother and baby, which makes bonding, skin-to-skin time, and early breastfeeding easier and more natural. This sustained presence helps parents feel more involved in daily care, build confidence, and experience a more positive transition to parenthood. Those benefits—families being involved, babies receiving consistent support, and quicker establishment of routines—are what make this approach valuable.

The other statements describe potential effects that aren’t the focus of the core benefit. While care organization can influence workload or discharge flow in practice, the defining advantage of couplet care is the emphasis on keeping the family unit together and promoting ongoing contact and involvement.