So-called preparatory treatments before childbirth used to be compulsory. Nowadays, you don't have to agree to epilation and enemas anymore. However, in order to make a conscious decision, it is worth knowing what they look like and what they are supposed to serve.
Enema before childbirth
Enema- this Latin word means the procedure of cleaning the rectum by introducing fluid into it, resulting in a bowel movement after a few minutes.
In a hospital, it may look like someone from the staff (usually a hospital attendant) inserts a catheter (a plastic tube) into the patient's anus, through which he introduces water with suds to the end of the large intestine. It's an old method, but still used in some hospitals. In the remaining cases, the patient receives a disposable set with a container containing a liquid specially prepared for this purpose, and performs the enema herself.TreatmentThis treatment can be unpleasant, and sometimes even painful (but not necessarily).
What is it for?
By emptying the intestine, you are less likely to pass stools less often duringlabor .
The most common argument for giving an enema is the hygiene and safety of your baby, who should not come into contact with bacteria mother's stool.
Others are: greater psychological comfort of the woman in labor, because she is not afraid of having a bowel movement, which can be embarrassing, and faster labor. Supporters also argue that a woman who has had an enema no longer needs to use the toilet after giving birth (and it is not easy for the first few days).
Why not?
- The truth is that this procedure has no medical justification and does not need to be performed - that's the opinion of the World He alth Organization (WHO). Hospitals often perform it out of habit, out of attachment to procedures that have not been changed for years, and reluctance to change. The best proof that it is unnecessary is the fact that it is not performed in good hospitals, enjoying the recognition of women - in these facilities they are treated subjectively.
- The procedure is often unnecessary, as one of the symptoms of the first stage of labor is diarrhea.
- It's good to know that feces can also appear after an enema, although much less frequently. But even when that happens, there is nothing unnatural about it and the midwife is for itready.
- For a sensitive woman, it may be more embarrassing to undergo a procedure that interferes with the most intimate part of her body.
Remember that you may not agree to the enema, but inform about it clearly and in advance, as it happens that the staff does not warn you about the enema, although they should. And if you decide that it is worth carrying out this procedure, you can buy a disposable Enema kit at a pharmacy (costs about PLN 5) and do it yourself at home, before going to the hospital.
Hair removal before childbirth
Similarly, it is unjustified to shave the intimate area. According to the World He alth Organization, this is an unnecessary procedure. There are hospitals in Poland where this is not done anymore.
What is it for?
Where it is still practiced, one can hear the argument that it is easier to sew a hairless perineum, it is better to disinfect the wound after suturing and it is easier to maintain its hygiene afterwards. And it probably is, the only question remains: why assume in advance that there will be an incision? The good news is that nowadays only a small part of the skin is usually shaved - at the site of the perineal incision. But also in this case the midwife should ask for consent and not do it against her will.
Why not?
- This area is extremely delicate, when shaving (especially not very careful), the skin may scratch or micro-injure, through which microorganisms can enter. In addition, during disinfection, the irritated skin burns, and then, as the hair grows back, itches.
- In some hospitals the procedure is performed in a little intimate atmosphere, which causes discomfort for the mother in labor. To avoid this, it would be best to remove the hair from the intimate parts at home (only around the labia, not all of the pubic hair). Some women manage this on their own by using mirrors and razors or a gentle depilatory cream, but often you may need your partner's help.
Decide for yourself - it's best to calmly consider the pros and cons of these treatments and make your own decision. The attitude towards them is usually an individual matter. But if you are sure that you do not want to be the subject of these activities (especially enemas), you have the right to object to them. Remember: The World He alth Organization is on your side!
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