Articles, eveidence based: post partum bathing

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I had a rather nasty confrontaion with a post partum nurse last night. She was upset becuse when my patient asked if she could take a bath later that night after delivering I said that she shoudl shower for 6 weeks except for sits baths.

The postpartum nurse told me that she had 35 years of expeance and that I should not be tellign my patients not to bath.

I was always taught that post partum bathing (other then sitz or running water soaks) place the patient at risk for infection so i told her that i would continue to teach patients not to do it. She said that she is goimg to report me so I am looking for some evidance based research on the subject.

Does anyone know of an article or a study that addresses this subject? Ive looked on he internet and all i can find are opinions from other nurses but I need soemthign solid. At the very least Id like peice of mind that I'm teachign the right things or information that would make me comfortable changing my taching.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Oh I have read conflicting literature on this one, Dayray. I would start with AWHONN resources, and perhaps some good midwifery articles/sites. I can't remember where I have seen what I read...just a lot through the years.

I wanted to welcome you back...it's so good to SEE YOU!

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I would be concerned about a post partum mom falling more easily in a tub vs a shower. We don't have bathtubs on the Mother/Baby Unit, so the problem has never come up.

It sort of grosses me out unless they use a plastic tub liner, and REALLY disinfects the tub between uses. I wonder what Infection Control has to say about it?

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