I had only known of a gastric lavage being done once when I worked in California and that was to a baby who had swallowed a tummy full of blood birthing through an abruption (apgars of 8 and 9, c/s birth). In his case it seemed quite reasonable though perhaps also unnecessary. It seems to be quite a common practice here though and at one time seems to have been done routinely at birth (there is a check point for it on the care path header). The usual scenario seems to be a mucousy baby who is positing amniotic fluid during the first 24 to 48 hours often after a rapid (5 to 15 min) second stage. My practice to reassure the parents that the fluid will pass through and all will be well, which it is if given half a chance, but often the next shift someone has lavaged the baby. It seems at one time the gastric aspirate was cultured for GBS? (also still on the care path header). The practice had not even registered in my consciousness until working here.
marilyn ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sue Cookson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, June 06, 2005 1:17 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] gastric washes > Hi all, > Need your help finding references/articles on gastric washes for > neonates, also any first hand observations or thoughts. > I've just returned from a week in Adelaide doing a postpartum placement > and was amazed to see so many gastric washes being done. > When I queried the practice and asked for protocols and policies to look > at, I was told that 'we've been doing them for 30 years and they work'. > To hell with best practice and evidence!! > > Any comments would be welcomed, > Sue > -- > This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. > Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. > -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
