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Date: | Tue, 25 Nov 2003 19:18:57 -0600 |
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I wash my hands for a full minute prior to doing exams (I do home visits
exclusively.) However, I don't carry a nail brush, and it is the germs that
can hide in nail beds that worry me. I use non-powder, non-latex gloves and
wear them to protect mother and baby from the germs I may carry in. I wear
the gloves while doing breast exams and if I examine the baby's mouth.
There is another issue involved. Sometimes the mother I have come to help
is home alone. I am a stranger, touching her on an intimate part of her
body. In a way, the gloves are somewhat 'distancing'. They sometimes help
to create a sort of psychological barrier for the exam that makes it less
threatening in some way. If the nipples are not cracked and once I am
through checking the baby, I usually take them off. By then, I've created
some rapport with the mom and do not feel like such a stranger to her.
I also wipe down my scale in front of the mom with a bleach wipe. If I were
a new mom and a total stranger were coming into my home, I'd want to see her
wash up and use all care to not expose the baby to anything.
Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
LactNews Press
www.lactnews.com
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