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Forwarded message:
Subj:    Bathing after delivery and other musings
Date:    95-10-13 23:27:37 EDT
From:    InNYfromOZ
To:      [log in to unmask]

Jan. B -loved your post about the industry and the rules and regs. that would
spring up in the U.S.A. around tub bathing by mothers after delivery. It
reminded me that in the 1970's, after I gave birth to three of my children at
Brighton Community Hospital, a small hospital in Melbourne, Australia  (where
the usual and customary stay was at least seven days) part of the daily
routine was soaking in a warm bath into which was tossed a few cupfuls of
salt. The idea was that it soothed one's episiotomy, and it certainly helped
me, despite recent research to the contrary.

Being young and trusting, I never gave a thought to the enemy Bacteria, and I
am unaware that rampant outbreaks of infection resulted from this practice.
This hospital had other delightful aspects - the phones were turned off for
an hour every afternoon while we had our mandatory Rest Time with the blinds
drawn. We were encouraged to lie on our stomachs (to flatten them). Before
the babies were brought in for the 5.30 a.m. feeding, we were awakened with a
cheery "Good morning mother" and a hot cup of tea. I think most Australians
would agree that tea for us is synonomous with comfort ( I was brought up to
expect that in any crisis my mother would say "let's put the kettle on).

Just to complete this reverie, I've been thinking over the birth of my eldest
son in London (it's his birthday in a few days) in a cosy nursing home room
complete with open fire burning in the grate. I labored and gave birth in the
same bed.At delivery, my husband held up one leg, an Irish nurse the other,
and the doctor caught the baby. It was lovely. You had to bring your own baby
clothes and a few hours before the birth, a nurse opened my suitcase and
asked me what I wanted the baby to wear. I chose a tiny smocked viyella
nightgown and she put it on a clotheshorse to air in front of the fire. I
cherish this memory !  The room had a comfortable sofa where my husband was
bedded down with pillow and blanket when it looked as if I'd be in labor all
night ( but I fooled them and gave birth at 2.30 a.m.). Afterwards, he
settled back on the sofa and we both went to sleep.

My fifth baby was born in New York, and to make sure it was as natural as the
others, I delayed going to the hospital until the last moment. I'd told my OB
that there'd be hell to pay if anyone interfered mechanically with my birth.
No possibility of that - it was a wonderful scene as I was rushed down the
hall to delivery on a stretcher, fully dressed and with my shoes on - to
deliver minutes later. I have no idea who took my clothes and shoes off - was
too busy pushing out my beautiful baby girl (after four boys).

Thanks all for listening ! The details of one's births are so precious and
never forgotten. I had a strong desire for a sixth baby when the youngest was
three, but decided that perhaps five was enough and so we bought a puppy -
not the same ofcourse, but it helped !

Beverley Rae, MSW CSW IBCLC
Manhasset, NY