Still looking for study regarding mom taking a bath postpatum.  Some old
studies listed stating ok for tub bath before cord off.

Linda Hill RN, IBCLC

 

SKIN AND CORD CARE

Newborn babies are bathed primarily for esthetic reasons. Such bathing
should thus be postponed until thermal and cardiorespiratory stability is
ensured. The health care provider should bath the baby using lukewarm water
and either no soap (especially soaps containing hexachlorophene) or a mild,
non-medicated soap.

The literature suggests that tub bathing, as opposed to sponge bathing, can
be done without significantly lowering the infant's temperature or
increasing rates of cord infection (Henningsson et al., 1981; Anderson et
al., 1995). One study found that babies who were tub bathed cried less.
(These studies were conducted with babies whose temperature had stabilized
for one hour.) A tub bath should be used to help remove blood. Drying of the
baby and removal of blood after birth may minimize the risk of infection
caused by hepatitis B, the herpes virus, and the human immunodeficiency
virus. Specific benefits of this practice remain unclear, however. Until the
infant has been thoroughly bathed, universal precautions should be used when
handling the newborn.

The relative values of triple dye, bacitracin ointment, alcohol, and natural
drying vis-à-vis cord care are not clear enough to allow for a single
recommendation to be made. Recent evidence indicates no difference in
outcomes when the cord is cleaned with alcohol versus natural drying (Dore
et al., 1998). It is essential, however, that the cord be initially cut with
a sterile instrument. As well, the cord and surrounding skin area should
subsequently be watched for potential omphalitis. Any agents used to clean
the infant's skin or cord should be single-use, thereby preventing
cross-contamination with other babies. Policies regarding cord care should
be examined on the basis of emerging research.

 

Bathing

Some midwives and health care providers recommend that a full tub bath be
delayed from 24-48 hours up to a few weeks after delivery. Opinions are very
diverse regarding bathing as compared to showering after birth. However, to
be relatively safe, a shallow tub bath in about 4 inches of pleasantly warm
(not hot) water (sitz bath depth) may be taken as soon as you are able to
get in and out of the tub safely. Be sure to have someone there to assist
the mother in getting in and out of the tub to prevent falls (she may get a
little dizzy after soaking in the bath and then trying to get out, fainting
my occur). The biggest thing is to make sure the tub has been scoured
cleaned and rinsed thoroughly before the new mom is allowed to sit and bathe
in it to prevent potential bacterial infections. If this isn't possible, she
may stand or sit on a waterproof chair in the tub and have someone pour warm
water over her as she bathes. 

 


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