The description of putting babies under the faucet for bathing reminded me
of when I was supervising nursing students in maternity. I oriented them by
saying that if I caught anyone bathing a baby like that(under the faucet)
they would be failed immediately, on the spot. My rationale: the practice
is dangerous and demeaning. Although it was tempting to do it (because the
nursery staff tell the students, "that's the way we do it in the real
world".), not one of the students ever bathed the baby that way(at least
that I saw). We had the mother's bath them and without any instructions,
but just some encouragement and answered questions if they asked. We
witnessed some of the most sensual baby baths I have ever seen--holding
massaging,talking sweetly, cuddling, never letting them cry or get cold. It
was wonderful!

Since then the hospital has gone through two changes: first they did away
with the bathing and now it has returned because of the issue of universal
precautions and HIV. I think this is a real issue of concern for nurses,
but rather than make mother' s feel that their babies are "dirty", why not
have mother's wash them. They could even bring in their own tub!
Carol L'Esperance, RN, MSN, IBCLC
Albuquerque, NM 87106 USA

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