Unfortunately, there is evidence, and hospitals' infection control departments are jumping on the band wagon...Here is some basic information with references, there's tons more on PubMed :(    
 
http://www.sageproducts.com/documents/pdf/education/studies_articles/ssi/Chlorhexidine%20Wipes%20The%20New%20Weapon%20Against%20SSIs.pdf
 
Surely it can't be a good thing for the protection that skin-to-skin offers the newborn...
 
Holly
 
> Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2015 20:58:13 +0000
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Chlorhexidine Gluconate wipes
> To: [log in to unmask]
> 
> This IS TERRIBLE.  It would totally ruin the value of skin-to-skin as a transfer device for good bacteria for c-section moms.  Ugh! Where is the evidence that increasing the "cleansed" area improves infection rates post-operatively?
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ann Cunillera
> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 2:17 PM
> Subject: Chlorhexidine Gluconate wipes
> 
> Hi everyone,
> My hospital is looking into the safety of using chlorhexidine gluconate wipes as a chin to toe wash prior to c-section deliveries. The protocol would be changed to using the wipes on the breast and chest area while we are currently only using it on the waist down. I am having trouble finding any evidence on the safety of this product as far as both skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding is concerned. Is anyone using this full body preparation in their hospital at this time? I would appreciate any feedback if you are familiar with this standard of care. Thank you so much!
> 
> Ann Cunillera, RN, IBCLC
> White Plains Hospital
> White Plains, NY 10601
> 
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