In a message dated 1/4/01 2:42:42 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< I would use cobathing a lot more if people
 (in general) were more receptive to it. I find that i often have to pick and
 choose the "type" of couple that I suggest it to as some look at me as if I'm
 crazy!  "oooh that "far out" idea of being naked with my baby, I'd better
 check with my doctor first,...or what if the cord, circ etc. gets wet....
 Yikes!
 Any thoughts??........

 Lynn Shea Rn,Bsn,Ibclc
 Franklin, Massachusetts >>

Appreciate your bringing this topic up as I often suggest co-bathing and
rarely get parent's to try it (I say parent's because I suggest Dad help by
handing the baby to mom and then keeping water poured over baby once baby is
mid chest).  I've at least had moms perk up and show some interest when I
explain that I've had "ok" by midwives and peds when I've told them I've
suggested it.  I explain that for themselves being in the tub is no different
than a sitz bath and that midwife said cervix is closed within hours of birth
and the worst case scenario would be if baby stooled, just rinse off and get
out of tub at that point.

For baby's cord or circ:  cord can just be dried off, circ depends IMHO, on
how healed it looks because I've not had occasion to pursue this.  But I, too
have experienced the incredulous looks when I suggest it and the " sure,
uh,huh,"-I'll never do that in a hundred years tone over the phone.

But on a positive note, your post gave me he idea to suggest this to mom
whose baby has very shallow latch thinking maybe relaxation of water may help
her jaw to relax....

Barbara Latterner

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html