[ozmidwifery] Fw: [ukmidwifery] MIDWIFERY MATTERS Summer issue - Overseas submissions please
FYI - Original Message - From: Ishbel Kargar [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear Overseas Friends The Summer MIDWIFERY MATTERS is to be an Overseas issue. I have written separately to ARM members overseas, asking for articles, reports etc., but I realise that we have many non-UK subscribers to this list who are not ARM members, and will not have received my letter. So I'm widening the net, and asking Overseas List members to send in their articles, birth stories, comments, opinions, reports, poetry, pictures, etc. as soon as possible, (official deadline is 1st April). Midwives, students, mums, etc. please respond! Please send your contribution to Margaret Jowitt (Magazine Coordinator), email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] . Or mail it to her at 29 Albert Street, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1EU, UK. So get writing! Many thanks Ishbel -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath
I have to agree there. My memories of my husband and I being taught how to bath our first child (6 yrs ago) are embarassing. I hadn't ever bathed a baby before, but to be told that today we will take you down and teach you how, it clearly was a messge that we weren't capable. Then the instructions on doing the head first, blah, blah, blah. My poor deprived fourth child, if it wasn't for the school and kindy show and tell bathing a baby sessions, he wouldn't have known what baths were. I know I'm being highly critical here, and I realise some parents will want to be shown, but really??? I also have a problem with the idea that these babies have to be bathed at all. Babies smell just beautiful all on their own, the Johnson and Johnson smell just gets in the way of this, not to mention the sensitivity these tiny new darlings are dealing with. Providing women with an option and explaining that not bathing their baby all the time is perfectly fine too. and, Yes, I know that water emmersion is lovely and relaxing, but thats not about washing them. anyway, my two bits worth, cheers Megan From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Denise Hynd Sent: Thursday, 3 March 2005 7:33 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath I find the whole idea of teaching an adult woman HOW to bath the most cherished person in her life a reflection of our patriachial attitude and approach to women, birth parenting. and another step along the path to disempowered parenting or re-enforcing the need for outside experts in deciding how respond to your child Perhaps supporting a woman to bath her child as she can in her home in her way is a little more respectful? Denise Hynd Let us support one another, not just in philosophy but in action, for the sake of freedom for all women to choose exactly how and by whom, if by anyone, our bodies will be handled. Linda Hes This message was sent through MyMail http://www.mymail.com.au -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath
When i first went back to work 5 years ago i got in trouble for showing a woman the wrong way to bath her baby. Instead of wrapping the baby and washing his face and hair, soaping him up then putting him in the bath, i (heaven forbid) put him straight in the bath. This was much to the horror of the midwife i was working with who had been working in the same unit for over 20 years.Cheers Pauline -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath
I agree. I think that the benefit of educating a couple on bathing their baby is actually just helping them feel comfortable with holding their baby, rather than the bath technique head first etc etc, because they really don't need much washing. Another benefit is advising that a bath is helpful as a relaxation tool. Nicole H -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Pauline Sent: Thursday, 3 March 2005 21:20 To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath When i first went back to work 5 years ago i got in trouble for showing a woman the wrong way to bath her baby. Instead of wrapping the baby and washing his face and hair, soaping him up then putting him in the bath, i (heaven forbid) put him straight in the bath. This was much to the horror of the midwife i was working with who had been working in the same unit for over 20 years.Cheers Pauline -- 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.
Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath
I realise that this is not what you where asking for but I mentioned to our group today that when thinking about their baby plan the bathing policies that they could choose if they wanted to, to shower with the baby maybe even partner. For me this was a wonderful experience. I was able to clean myself my baby with out being separated. We had just spent 6 hrs sleeping feeding skin to skin since the birth I didn't want to let her go to anyone but her family. She didn't see a bath for 4 weeks or so. Anyway I just wanted to share as it was a very different experience for me than watching my husband learn to bath our first daughter from my bed recovering from a c/s. If I had known then that it was ok to not bath her then I could have had a similar experience with my first. Cheers Philippa Scott Birth Buddies Supporting Women ~ Creating Life -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath
Our only 'rules' are that a baby must have 3 consecutive temps above 36.5 before a bath... on the other hand, what do you do on a cold night when you can't get warm in bed? Jump in a hot shower. We had a baby who couldn't get a temp above 36 with skin to skin, or under the heater, so a 'daring' midwife gave her a nice warm bath, and wow, you know, the baby had no more temp problems ;) We are required to offer a demo bath, or a supervised one for first timers, and there isn't that often when they say no. I always ask if they want to do it and I can talk them through, but mostly they want to watch the first one being done. I don't put JJ stuff in the bath unless they request it. I let them know that they don't need to use anything on their skin, etc. Sometimes even 4th time mothers want to watch the first bath - they just don't have the self confidence sometimes. Jo (RM) -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath
I totally agree with you Megan and Denise. For most of us up here (Cairns) teaching the parents how to bath their baby is showing them that water immersion is actually OK and they take it from there. Of course there are the safety messages about hot water and not leaving baby alone in the bath etc.. Babies do get bathed a lot up here especially in summer when the humidity is so high and so a lot of time is spent on keeping baby cool discussions. It is pleasing to see on home visits that mum and dad are taking baby into the shower or bath with them. I remain surprised at how much fear there is around babies and water, so my main message is reassurance. Of course I love water myself. marilyn - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 1:39 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath I have to agree there. My memories of my husband and I being taught how to bath our first child (6 yrs ago) are embarassing. I hadn't ever bathed a baby before, but to be told that today we will take you down and teach you how, it clearly was a messge that we weren't capable. Then the instructions on doing the head first, blah, blah, blah. My poor deprived fourth child, if it wasn't for the school and kindy show and tell bathing a baby sessions, he wouldn't have known what baths were. I know I'm being highly critical here, and I realise some parents will want to be shown, but really??? I also have a problem with the idea that these babies have to be bathed at all. Babies smell just beautiful all on their own, the Johnson and Johnson smell just gets in the way of this, not to mention the sensitivity these tiny new darlings are dealing with. Providing women with an option and explaining that not bathing their baby all the time is perfectly fine too. and, Yes, I know that water emmersion is lovely and relaxing, but thats not about washing them. anyway, my two bits worth, cheers Megan -- -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Denise Hynd Sent: Thursday, 3 March 2005 7:33 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath I find the whole idea of teaching an adult woman HOW to bath the most cherished person in her life a reflection of our patriachial attitude and approach to women, birth parenting. and another step along the path to disempowered parenting or re-enforcing the need for outside experts in deciding how respond to your child Perhaps supporting a woman to bath her child as she can in her home in her way is a little more respectful? Denise Hynd Let us support one another, not just in philosophy but in action, for the sake of freedom for all women to choose exactly how and by whom, if by anyone, our bodies will be handled. - Linda Hes This message was sent through MyMail http://www.mymail.com.au -- 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.
RE: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath
I agree with you Nicole. I usually say something like "there is only two criteria for a successful bath, 1. baby ends up clean 2. baby not drowned. Having bathed my babies in the past in the shower, under the hose etc usually gets mentioned. I focus on giving them confidence in holding the baby etc. Cheers Judy [EMAIL PROTECTED] 03/03/05 08:55pm I agree. I think that the benefit of educating a couple on bathing their baby isactually just helping them feel comfortable with holding their baby,rather than the "bath technique" head first etc etc, because they reallydon't need much washing. Another benefit is advising that a bath ishelpful as a relaxation tool. Nicole H-Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED][mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of PaulineSent: Thursday, 3 March 2005 21:20To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.auSubject: Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bathWhen i first went back to work 5 years ago i got in trouble for showinga woman the wrong way to bath her baby. Instead of wrapping the baby and washing his face and hair, soaping him up then putting him in the bath,i (heaven forbid) put him straight in the bath. This was much to thehorror of the midwife i was working with who had been working in the same unitfor over 20 years.Cheers Pauline --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. *** This email, including any attachments sent with it, is confidential and for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). This confidentiality is not waived or lost, if you receive it and you are not the intended recipient(s), or if it is transmitted/received in error. Any unauthorised use, alteration, disclosure, distribution or review of this email is prohibited. It may be subject to a statutory duty of confidentiality if it relates to health service matters. If you are not the intended recipient(s), or if you have received this email in error, you are asked to immediately notify the sender by telephone or by return email. You should also delete this email and destroy any hard copies produced. ***
RE: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath
FYI There is a clinic 'Ita Wegman Klinic' in Switzerland that actually follows the philosophy of not bathing newborns at all. When I asked further questions about their logic of not bathing they got a bit cagey, thinking I would then write in my questionaire that they were a bit strange!! I wish she had told me, because I was truly facinated. Sylvia Boutsalis Childbirth Educator Infant Massage Instructor Adelaide -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, 3 March 2005 8:10 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath I have to agree there. My memories of my husband and I being taught how to bath our first child (6 yrs ago) are embarassing. I hadn't ever bathed a baby before, but to be told that today we will take you down and teach you how, it clearly was a messge that we weren't capable. Then the instructions on doing the head first, blah, blah, blah. My poor deprived fourth child, if it wasn't for the school and kindy show and tell bathing a baby sessions, he wouldn't have known what baths were. I know I'm being highly critical here, and I realise some parents will want to be shown, but really??? I also have a problem with the idea that these babies have to be bathed at all. Babies smell just beautiful all on their own, the Johnson and Johnson smell just gets in the way of this, not to mention the sensitivity these tiny new darlings are dealing with. Providing women with an option and explaining that not bathing their baby all the time is perfectly fine too. and, Yes, I know that water emmersion is lovely and relaxing, but thats not about washing them. anyway, my two bits worth, cheers Megan From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Denise Hynd Sent: Thursday, 3 March 2005 7:33 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath I find the whole idea of teaching an adult woman HOW to bath the most cherished person in her life a reflection of our patriachial attitude and approach to women, birth parenting. and another step along the path to disempowered parenting or re-enforcing the need for outside experts in deciding how respond to your child Perhaps supporting a woman to bath her child as she can in her home in her way is a little more respectful? Denise Hynd Let us support one another, not just in philosophy but in action, for the sake of freedom for all women to choose exactly how and by whom, if by anyone, our bodies will be handled. - Linda Hes This message was sent through MyMail http://www.mymail.com.au -- 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.
[ozmidwifery] newborn baths
What about suggesting mum and baby take a bath together, my two just loved/love a breastfeed in the bath. Giving mum a private, relaxing environment in which to hold and cuddle baby ie a warm water bath would I imagine go along way in terms of empowering, instiling confidence and bonding. Ideallypartner would be there to take baby in warm towel when mum is ready. My husband was certainly more confident with our second baby, not because of being shown properly how to care for baby, but just because he had some experience and practice under his belt from the first. Cheers Rochelle
Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath
Re NB Bathing. For midwives we need to bear in mind the baby is covered in body fluids until after a bath. It is recommended that we observe universal precautions unitil after the baby is bathed. For parents. Safety first. Some parents do like a 'step through'. It is good to ask first. Hospitals are intimidating and I have had mothers of 4 children ask me for a bath dem. What have we (society) done to these women? It is that general fear of 'doing it wrong', particularly in unfamiliar circumstances and on someone elses turf. I like emphasise that as long as it is safe there are no rules and regulations. Sometimes I think we have too many policies and procedures. Some hospitals have policies or guidelines on how to manage a normal birth. Come on, midwives are educated. Same for the general public, they know how to wash themselves and ten year olds can bath younger sibs. It is all about attitude. Jenny Jennifer Cameron FRCNA FACMProMid Professional Midwifery Education Service0419 528 717 - Original Message - From: Alesa Koziol To: ozmidwifery Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 3:52 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath Dear List Updating policies at our workplace and seeking any written policies that can be shared on bathing newborns. I doubt if there is any but if anyone is aware of any written papers on this topic this would also be gratefully received Cheers Alesa Alesa KoziolClinical Midwifery EducatorMelbourne
Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath
I work in an area with policies on how to conduct a normal birth. Even an inservice coming up on "How to conduct a normal delivery!" This is hysterical, admittedly I will not be attending. To make it even better the "midwife" conducting the inservice believes that any babies born not on the bed will die Her exact words were " you need to tell that woman that her baby will die if it is notdelivered on the bed". If I hadn't been so shocked I would have said something along the lines of mothers birth their babies and midwives assist them, no babies are delivered. All the storks that usedto deliver babies seem to have moved on to something else. Sonja -- Original Message - From: Jenny Cameron To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, March 04, 2005 12:08 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath Re NB Bathing. For midwives we need to bear in mind the baby is covered in body fluids until after a bath. It is recommended that we observe universal precautions unitil after the baby is bathed. For parents. Safety first. Some parents do like a 'step through'. It is good to ask first. Hospitals are intimidating and I have had mothers of 4 children ask me for a bath dem. What have we (society) done to these women? It is that general fear of 'doing it wrong', particularly in unfamiliar circumstances and on someone elses turf. I like emphasise that as long as it is safe there are no rules and regulations. Sometimes I think we have too many policies and procedures. Some hospitals have policies or guidelines on how to manage a normal birth. Come on, midwives are educated. Same for the general public, they know how to wash themselves and ten year olds can bath younger sibs. It is all about attitude. Jenny Jennifer Cameron FRCNA FACMProMid Professional Midwifery Education Service0419 528 717 - Original Message - From: Alesa Koziol To: ozmidwifery Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 3:52 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath Dear List Updating policies at our workplace and seeking any written policies that can be shared on bathing newborns. I doubt if there is any but if anyone is aware of any written papers on this topic this would also be gratefully received Cheers Alesa Alesa KoziolClinical Midwifery EducatorMelbourne
Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath
Megan said Babies smell just beautiful all on their own, the Johnson and Johnson smell just gets in the way of this, not to mention the sensitivity these tiny new darlings are dealing with. Providing women with an option and explaining that not bathing their baby all the time is perfectly fine too. and, In fact bathing mother and bay after birth interferes with the babies sense of itself and its mother Smell is very important aid to babies seeking and attaching well to the breast. Also disturbing it and other connections to its mother probably impairs their ability to gradually and gently re-orientate themselves to extra-uterine life- something which is even more important after our common practices of untimely artificially induced and augmented labours followed by traumatic deliveries rather than the naturally intended birth led expereince mediated by loving hormones, movements, lights and sounds !! Any wonder that mothers and babies at home look and behave like they are from another planet when compared to those who had medical deliveries in our production line obstetric units!! Denise Hynd Let us support one another, not just in philosophy but in action, for the sake of freedom for all women to choose exactly how and by whom, if by anyone, our bodies will be handled. - Linda Hes - Original Message - From: Sylvia Boutsalis [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, March 04, 2005 6:37 AM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath FYI There is a clinic 'Ita Wegman Klinic' in Switzerland that actually follows the philosophy of not bathing newborns at all. When I asked further questions about their logic of not bathing they got a bit cagey, thinking I would then write in my questionaire that they were a bit strange!! I wish she had told me, because I was truly facinated. Sylvia Boutsalis Childbirth Educator Infant Massage Instructor Adelaide -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, 3 March 2005 8:10 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath I have to agree there. My memories of my husband and I being taught how to bath our first child (6 yrs ago) are embarassing. I hadn't ever bathed a baby before, but to be told that today we will take you down and teach you how, it clearly was a messge that we weren't capable. Then the instructions on doing the head first, blah, blah, blah. My poor deprived fourth child, if it wasn't for the school and kindy show and tell bathing a baby sessions, he wouldn't have known what baths were. I know I'm being highly critical here, and I realise some parents will want to be shown, but really??? I also have a problem with the idea that these babies have to be bathed at all. Babies smell just beautiful all on their own, the Johnson and Johnson smell just gets in the way of this, not to mention the sensitivity these tiny new darlings are dealing with. Providing women with an option and explaining that not bathing their baby all the time is perfectly fine too. and, Yes, I know that water emmersion is lovely and relaxing, but thats not about washing them. anyway, my two bits worth, cheers Megan From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Denise Hynd Sent: Thursday, 3 March 2005 7:33 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath I find the whole idea of teaching an adult woman HOW to bath the most cherished person in her life a reflection of our patriachial attitude and approach to women, birth parenting. and another step along the path to disempowered parenting or re-enforcing the need for outside experts in deciding how respond to your child Perhaps supporting a woman to bath her child as she can in her home in her way is a little more respectful? Denise Hynd Let us support one another, not just in philosophy but in action, for the sake of freedom for all women to choose exactly how and by whom, if by anyone, our bodies will be handled. - Linda Hes This message was sent through MyMail http://www.mymail.com.au -- 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. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath
This has been a really interesting discussion, and it's prompted me to think about the kinds of information we give to women, and when we start to assume the role of educator, overseer, teacher, one of authority, or whether we maintain the role of facilitator, and how that has an effect on women's confidence withearly parenting. Interestingly in independent practice, I have no recollection of either showing women how to bath their baby, or of women asking me to show them. I wonder if this isto do with the relationship, or with the implied inference that the women will take on that task, or responsibility themselves, or if itis just because I'm not normally there when they decide to bath their baby for the first time. I don't know, and I mean no disrespect with thispost, just random thoughts. I suppose the first bath is something we see as innocuous, educational, a chance togive information, and yet, maybe it's an opportunity to stand by and just give lots of positive reinforcement about howsensible the parents are, and how they don't need us to show them how to bath/change/feed their baby, but to know that we're aroundfor support if they need it. I think I'd be mortified if someoneimplied I couldn't bath my own baby - what else might I not have the resources/ability/confidence to do??!!! (of course, different ifthe woman has had a difficult birth...) Sorry for the ramble, just wanted to add... Tania x - Original Message - From: Barry Sonja To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, March 04, 2005 5:39 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath I work in an area with policies on how to conduct a normal birth. Even an inservice coming up on "How to conduct a normal delivery!" This is hysterical, admittedly I will not be attending. To make it even better the "midwife" conducting the inservice believes that any babies born not on the bed will die Her exact words were " you need to tell that woman that her baby will die if it is notdelivered on the bed". If I hadn't been so shocked I would have said something along the lines of mothers birth their babies and midwives assist them, no babies are delivered. All the storks that usedto deliver babies seem to have moved on to something else. Sonja -- Original Message - From: Jenny Cameron To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, March 04, 2005 12:08 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath Re NB Bathing. For midwives we need to bear in mind the baby is covered in body fluids until after a bath. It is recommended that we observe universal precautions unitil after the baby is bathed. For parents. Safety first. Some parents do like a 'step through'. It is good to ask first. Hospitals are intimidating and I have had mothers of 4 children ask me for a bath dem. What have we (society) done to these women? It is that general fear of 'doing it wrong', particularly in unfamiliar circumstances and on someone elses turf. I like emphasise that as long as it is safe there are no rules and regulations. Sometimes I think we have too many policies and procedures. Some hospitals have policies or guidelines on how to manage a normal birth. Come on, midwives are educated. Same for the general public, they know how to wash themselves and ten year olds can bath younger sibs. It is all about attitude. Jenny Jennifer Cameron FRCNA FACMProMid Professional Midwifery Education Service0419 528 717 - Original Message - From: Alesa Koziol To: ozmidwifery Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 3:52 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath Dear List Updating policies at our workplace and seeking any written policies that can be shared on bathing newborns. I doubt if there is any but if anyone is aware of any written papers on this topic this would also be gratefully received Cheers Alesa Alesa KoziolClinical Midwifery EducatorMelbourne
Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath
I think the fact that the baby is covered in body fluids until after a bath. Should mean that It is recommended that we encourage the mother only to handle herbaby. Denise Hynd "Let us support one another, not just in philosophy but in action, for the sake of freedom for all women to choose exactly how and by whom, if by anyone, our bodies will be handled." Linda Hes - Original Message - From: Jenny Cameron To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Friday, March 04, 2005 9:08 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath Re NB Bathing. For midwives we need to bear in mind the baby is covered in body fluids until after a bath. It is recommended that we observe universal precautions unitil after the baby is bathed. For parents. Safety first. Some parents do like a 'step through'. It is good to ask first. Hospitals are intimidating and I have had mothers of 4 children ask me for a bath dem. What have we (society) done to these women? It is that general fear of 'doing it wrong', particularly in unfamiliar circumstances and on someone elses turf. I like emphasise that as long as it is safe there are no rules and regulations. Sometimes I think we have too many policies and procedures. Some hospitals have policies or guidelines on how to manage a normal birth. Come on, midwives are educated. Same for the general public, they know how to wash themselves and ten year olds can bath younger sibs. It is all about attitude. Jenny Jennifer Cameron FRCNA FACMProMid Professional Midwifery Education Service0419 528 717 - Original Message - From: Alesa Koziol To: ozmidwifery Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 3:52 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] newborn bath Dear List Updating policies at our workplace and seeking any written policies that can be shared on bathing newborns. I doubt if there is any but if anyone is aware of any written papers on this topic this would also be gratefully received Cheers Alesa Alesa KoziolClinical Midwifery EducatorMelbourne
