birth kit question

[mysticmomma]

Have my list from my mw. What are the following for?
Alcohol prep pads
iodine
lubricating gel?

I'm allergic to iodine, so what can be used in it's place? Also, can I use olive oil for the lube? I hate that stuf. There are also cord clamps listed, but we're planning a lotus birth. Should I get them anyway?

[mama_at_home]

I'm not sure what the lube and alcohol swabs are for. We had a small bottle of olive oil but didn't use it. I used iodine diluted with water in my peri bottle to squirt on me everytime I used the bathroom. It kept it from burning. Even though you are planning a lotus birth I would get a clamp just in case. If you don't use it, then you don't use it. I guess it is better to be over prepared and have supplies unused than to be left in need of something.

[bleumoose]

The lube would be for vaginal checks, perineal massage, and the doppler, maybe? I can't think what else they'd use it for.

Not sure about the alcohol pads and the iodine.. unless your mw does injections of pitocin after birth for any reason? (Some mws can do that can't they?) Then these things could be used to clean and disinfect the inj site.

I'd ask your mw about them. She'll be able to tell you alternatives to the iodine too.

[Full Heart]

I know a mw who used iodine to disenfect things like birthing tubs/ bath tubs. You could probably use something else if that is the case. Alcohol prep pads probably for injections if need be, but I doubt you need to buy a whole box just for that. Lube probably for ves and doppler. I use olive oil (also great for babies bum with the first poops which are very tary).

[mamamilkers]

I didn't have alcohol pads or iodine on my birth list. I bet the alcohol pads are if the need to give you a shot, draw blood, put in an IV or something? I would be suprised if they didn't bring their own, though. I had blood drawn after the birth (since I am rH negative) and I didn't need to have my own alcohol pads for that. As far as I know they only used the lube for the doppler and for an internal exam that I requested.

[BelgianSheepDog]

I'd get the clamps just on the off chance there's an urgent medical reason they have to cut the cord, and then see if the midwife would be able to use them (assuming they were unopened, etc) for another client, maybe a needy one.

Alcohol swabs are for shots or for sterilizing small items quickly.

I'd imagine olive oil is OK unless whatever they want it for is made of rubber. I'd ask.

[Midwife Kris]

Originally Posted by mysticmomma

Have my list from my mw. What are the following for?
Alcohol prep pads
iodine
lubricating gel?

I'm allergic to iodine, so what can be used in it's place? Also, can I use olive oil for the lube? I hate that stuf. There are also cord clamps listed, but we're planning a lotus birth. Should I get them anyway?

Jumping on the bandwagon:

Alcohol prep pads can be used for many things: cleaning off the lid of a vial of anesthetic before the needle is inserted to draw it up and inject into your body; clean off the site of an injection to mother (pitocin, methergine, rhogam, IV catheter) or baby (vitamin K); clean off a stethoscope bell before using it on your baby or cleaning it off after it's covered in vernix and blood from birth.

Iodine is also a cleanser: clean out the tub before you get into it following birth. Some midwives dilute it in water in the peri-bottle for cleansing following birth although povidone iodine (aka betadine) can be caustic to the tissue (for this reason I prefer herbs or straight water). A substitute for cleaning the bathtub can be hibiclens.

Lubricating gel: sterile KY type stuff used for vaginal exams (even under water so the glove doesn't rub on the tissue); for use with dopplers to conduct sound; to "lube" baby's head as it crowns. Olive oil will work for this, but I'm not sure if it works well with a doppler.

Cord clamps: even if you are planning a lotus birth, plans might change because sometimes the cords break or tear even in the most normal of births and you'll want a clamp to save the baby dumping precious blood. If you don't want a cord clamp you can order a package of cord tie, which are two strands of heavy duty floss that can be tied in knots and won't be in the way like a clamp will in the event you need something.

[mwherbs]

many people are sensitive to iodine- let your midwife know- and you can substitute hibiclens instead-- no iodine in it and works well.
others have answered the questions about the other things
some midwives recommend using alcohol pads for cord care as well- but it is not necessary