MeMaRN

We do not have any standing orders like Demerol IVP after an epidural is in. I know it's used in the recovery room for shivering but not in our L&D unit. I just feel bad for these Mom's who look so forward to pain relief only to be miserable with the shivers. I also don't understand why it seems to affect some moms more than others.

How do you explain the shivers to your patients after an epidural? I've heard explanations ranging from the mother's hormones, to blood pressure issues. (All of the explanations given by anest.) Also, how many blood pressure readings are you required to chart at your facilities following the epidural. Our facility's policy is q 5 minutes x 15 minutes, then q 15 minutes.

One of my top gripes that families of patients DO is when they bring food for themselves into the labor suite prior to delivery knowing that the patient is unable to eat!

Sorry to show my ignorance but how do you use sucrose? We do have glucose water and if the mother has ok'd binky use then I'll put a little glucose water on the binky and it makes the procedure go much better. I'm finding the nurses that have been there for a while are really resisting the couplet care change but from what I'm hearing from other hospitals, I think it's here to stay awhile. Thanks to everyone for responding.

Hello everyone! I have been "lurking" for the past year and have appreciated the abundant information found in all of your posts! I've currently finished a "new grad" program on our Mother/Baby unit and have a few questions. Our unit is implementing couplet care. Typically we have four moms and babies. What I'm wondering is when doing couplet care, do you still have a nursery nurse? We are a community hospital and do not have a NICU at our facility. Also, since all care is given at the bedside, does that include PKU's and bili's? New moms can be so fretful that I'm just dreading doing these procedures at the bedside. Any tips? Thanks again everyone!