Hi Mary,
     We used to do the "Leboyer Gentle Handling Bath" (in the late 
70s-80s) and we finally settled on using a large oval stainless steel 
basin that could be sterilized between baths.  These are the stainless 
steel basins that we used as delivery basins when we first started doing 
mostly bed deliveries.  They are the perfect size for the babies, but 
they are heavy to empty when filled with water.  We also tried using a 
plexiglass crib with a drain hole drilled in the bottom, but it was 
difficult to disinfect enough to meet Infection Control policies at the 
time.  The delivery nurse would fill either basin with warm water and 
monitor the bath water temperature.  Dad or other support person 
would/could give the baby his first bath (with help) and let the baby 
relax and unwind in the warm water.  This actually wasn't really a 
cleansing bath, but it could be.  Not all babies settled calmly but many 
did and it can be very moving.

     Unfortunately we moved away from it when epidurals and more 
medicated births became more frequent, but we are considering offering 
it again on a more routine basis.  It is still available if the mom 
includes it in her birth plan, but seldom used.  Kris kiley, RNC, IBCLC

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