Holding up the legs during delivery

[bfusco]

We have had 3 nurses injured in their shoulders and neck because of having to hold up and push back the womans legs during delivery. It is partially a request of the physician and partially that they have become so used to doing it that it is automatic whenever the pushing is ineffective or protracted. Does anyone know of any equipment that could be purchased for this or any other techniques? Thanks, B Fusco RN

[Sis123]

cheerfuldoer.... you are quite funny!

:) :) :)

yes I think that the stirrups are gone now. We need a new invention to hold the legs methinks.

[RNnL&D]

We have one doc who does still use stirrups. She is a FP doc though and delivers so rarely that it always takes us sevrel minutes to figure out how to set the stirrups up again. :chuckle

[SmilingBluEyes]

Our new beds have stirrups built in.; they are folded in underneath along with the foot rests. All we have to do is swing them up and lock em in place. Very simple.

For very heavy women, or women with very dense anesthesia, these can be a lifesaver. So no, stirrups are not "gone" yet. (thank goodness). I WILL use them as needed, esp in absense of help or in the case of a very heavy woman.

[z's playa]

Thanks Deb for explaining the "McRoberts Maneuver" to me. :) I don't recall doing that when pregnant because my legs were in stirrups. Guess they don't use stirrups anymore, do they? Anyhoo...without knowing it, I guess I've done a lot of "McRoberts Maneuvers" in my time. Just not labor/delivery related. :rotfl: Think me should stop there before I get in trouble. :uhoh21:

:rotfl: :rotfl: Lemme guess..these maneuvers took place at the Missionary

right?

Z

[z's playa]

I have a really dumb question. :imbar

Just how do these stirrups work? What I mean is....I don't see how you're supposed to place your feet in them comfortably. I always put my entire foot IN the thing so the top part is on top of my foot. I'm guessing its supposed to be your heel but can't see the benefits from doing that.

I think the plates make so much more sense. I'm curious who invented either.

Z

[SmilingBluEyes]

First off, you probably are mixing up "stirrups" and "footrests".....

the foot rests are what you put your feet on, a flat platform-like plate long enough for your feet to rest on/in.......

the stirrups are padded platforms you put your legs up and on (bent at the knee) and they help you get into a "flexed" position for pushing or cervical exams (as in an office). The padded part holds your legs up and out -----the calf rests on the padding.

Hope this helps.

[seanymph]

At one hospital that I did an assignment it was against the hospital policy for the staff to hold the legs d/t so many injuries. If it was an emergency and you had to get her in McRoberts and then the staff took over. Believe me there was never a time when there was not enough family or "visitors" to hold the mom's legs during the pushing stage. It actually felt nice to end a shift and not have a sore back from standing there for an extended time holding legs while we pushed. :)

[z's playa]

First off, you probably are mixing up "stirrups" and "footrests".....

the foot rests are what you put your feet on, a flat platform-like plate long enough for your feet to rest on/in.......

the stirrups are padded platforms you put your legs up and on (bent at the knee) and they help you get into a "flexed" position for pushing or cervical exams (as in an office). The padded part holds your legs up and out -----the calf rests on the padding.

Hope this helps.

Ok..then what on earth are those rickety metal things everyone here calls stirrups?

They actually look like stirrups too. The ones you see at the bottom of a saddle. Except these jutt out of the exam table. Thanks.

Z

[SmilingBluEyes]

they are call them stirrups, too. But not very comfy ones. I would call them footrests. And yes, they are quite rickety. Quite different than the ones on our L/D beds.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

Thanks Deb for explaining the "McRoberts Maneuver" to me. :) I don't recall doing that when pregnant because my legs were in stirrups. Guess they don't use stirrups anymore, do they? Anyhoo...without knowing it, I guess I've done a lot of "McRoberts Maneuvers" in my time. Just not labor/delivery related. :rotfl: Think me should stop there before I get in trouble. :uhoh21:

Cheerful - you need a date!! :rotfl:

steph

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I think that EVERY woman is deeply effected by all her birth experiences.

I think so too. I just don't think it has to color your whole experience with mothering.

steph

[SmilingBluEyes]

Here is the bed I am talking about . You can see the way it breaks down and the capabilities. The end comes off and you can see the stirrups and foot rests built in and how easy they are to use. It also has "grips" for mom's hands, folded underneath.

One complaint I have: The padding leaves a lot to be desired for our poor moms.

http://www.encoremedical.com/BEDS/birthbeds.htm

hope this helps having a visual of what I am talking about. (it is the one on top, the Affinity II)