[nurse79]

Hi guys!!

I am in the process of proposing to make a module to incorporate alternative methods for our laboring patients. Does ANYONE out there use or have a policy in place on their unit?? We do not have an alternate birthing center (as do some hospitals) but we DO have a tub available for laboring in...which is SELDOM used!! Does anyone out there practice anything like acupressure or using sterile water injections??? Any policy/Procedure manuals on your department?? Help please! thanks for your suggestions!

[maryloufu]

How would sterile water injections help?

[CEG]

They are supposed to be highly effective for back labor pain relief- although reportedly sting like the bejeesus being put in. Here is some data on effectiveness:

Sterile Water Papules:
http://www.fensende.com/~swnymph/refs/papules.html

[rpbear]

We have jetted tubs in each room, if the pt is able to ambulate then they are able to tub. There is a written policy about using the tub, we also have tub thermometers so the water doesn't get too hot. We have a waterproof doppler we use while in the tub.

I have worked in another facility that did sterile water injection, they were done by the CNM only, we just assisted. They do sting really bad, but work well.

[eden]

I love sterile water injections. Any nurse can do them because it's not a drug we are dispensing. They work amazingly well for back labour and they do sting a lot but it's so short comapred to the continuous back labour that moms will do it more then once.