dear bonnie and all,

the medical taboo against bathing after birth, for the mom, seems to have to
do with the idea that the cervix is open and the uterus will get filled up
with that dirty bath water. and the baby's cord will rot and become terribly
infected if they get it wet.

however, home birth midwives don't feel that way, and the first thing after
birth is a nice herbal bath for mother and baby. can't say anybody's died from
it yet. i have actually found this taboo to be an obstacle as an LC because if
i recommend to a mother that she bathe with her baby, she often gives me an
astounded look and says "but the cord hasn't come off yet!"

of course, it is not like babies need daily bathing if they are wiped off
appropriately in various places, or oiled well (one of my favorites), but it
is a pity to elevate the cord business to such a high degree.

carol brussel IBCLC