How soon to shower?

mark_LD_RN · Jan 16, 2003

Originally posted by babynurselsa
pERSONALLY i HAVE WISHED THAT THEY WOULD MAKE A MANDATORY SHOWER A PART OF THE L&D ADMISSION................................

i have wished that at times myself:)

motherbaby-- glad i am not the only one that ends up wet from the shower. i especially end up wet when they shower during labor for some reason.

anitame · Jan 16, 2003

Oh, me 2. I can't tell you the number of times I have "convinced" a patient to take a shower. uugghh.

This reminds me: I had a laboring (early labor) patient once whose room reeked of lady partsl odor when you entered the room. And she had a room full of family. uugghh. When I did an exam (gag) she said, "Stand back, I stink. I haven't been able to reach down there for a while." I couldn't believe it. So, I drag her to the shower and physically *show* her how to use the hand held shower to most benefit this situation, and suggested that her husband could help her. I even showed him how to use the hand held. She got out, I'm assumed (you KNOW what that means) that she's clean. Until I get ready to do the next SVE and she says "I didn't use soap, just kinda rinsed off." UUUGGGHHHH

Now, don't you think if she KNEW she stunk she had a moral/legal/ethical :chuckle obligation to DO something about it?

It still grosses me out

anitame · Jan 16, 2003

About getting wet: You guys aren't alone. One of my favorite tricks is to put my laboring patients on the birth ball in the shower. I usually manage to flood the bathroom, soak myself AND provide comfort/pain relief to the patient all at once. :) Multi-talented, I know. LOL

bagladyrn, RN · Jan 16, 2003

Originally posted by babynurselsa
pERSONALLY i HAVE WISHED THAT THEY WOULD MAKE A MANDATORY SHOWER A PART OF THE L&D ADMISSION................................

I frequently make it a part of the admission procedure. "Here's your gown, towels and soap. Go ahead and shower and change while I get your bed ready" That way they just assume it it standard procedure. If I don't get to them before they are in bed, I tout the shower as the BEST way to relax in labor.:)

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 16, 2003

Originally posted by babynurselsa
pERSONALLY i HAVE WISHED THAT THEY WOULD MAKE A MANDATORY SHOWER A PART OF THE L&D ADMISSION................................

ROFL reminds me of a nearly 400-pounder who came in for induction once. Her doctor had sent her over with a written order for pitocin induction and SHOWER ASAP ---yes in writing. She was OHHHH SOOOO DIRTYYYYYYYYYY....ya just don't wanna know. I wanted to BURN her CLOTHES, really! I simply fibbed and told her for her health and that of the baby, we offered showers prior to labor inductions due to possibly a long confinement in bed. (which was prophetic in this case as you will see). She took me up on it. OH MY GOODNESS,what a chore to clean her up. I was soaking by the time I was done. Poor girl. I was disgusted w/her but bonded so tightly w/her thru her ordeal.

She of course failed induction and had to be sectioned--- and the complications! She dehisced while I was delivering a precip in the next room. I will NEVER forget her....we had her w/us for 3 weeks, doing daily wound care that would astound you. But the sweetest lady on earth, really. Just had a huge weight and hygiene problem....but then I digress, I am WAY off-topic!!!!!!

researchrabbit · Jan 16, 2003

Originally posted by jmspeach
Just speaking from experience on this. I had NO drugs and natural birth. I showered, did my make up and brushed my hair right after I gave birth.

I had natural childbirth (no drugs) with my second. After the birth I felt energetic and was up and walking in 30 minutes. It was a lovely experience!

at your cervix · Jan 17, 2003

Originally posted by Jemma
One of my friends (also an OB nurse) daughter-in-law delivered at a nearby hospital and we were surprised that they allowed the new mom to get out of bed immediately after delivery and sent her into the shower. We generally assist new moms to the BR a couple of times and wait a few hours before letting them shower. What are others doing?

Define "immediately". I usually let my moms up when they feel like it and when I feel that they are stable enough to get up. If they have an epidural, this may be an hour or several hours. If they don't then it is usually sooner. I usually have mom stand at side of bed then go to bathroom and attempt to void. If she is not dizzy or lightheaded or unsteady, I let her shower if she wants, although most moms prefer the jacuzzi to the shower!! While she is in the tub/shower, I change her linens, clean up the blood and goo off the floor and clean up her room. She gets out, gets back into a clean bed with a clean room and holds her clean baby (I usually give the bath in the room just before getting mom up). They usually think it is wonderful!!

Buggs · Jan 20, 2003

We let them shower as soon as they are up to it--usually at least an hour after delivery. Sometimes if a mom has trouble voiding after delivery, they can get the job done in the warm shower. We do usually stay in the room cleaning while they're in the shower.