No leaking, strings or pads and just empty and give a rinse in the shower. No Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Simples.
Do yourself a HUGE favour and get one.
Mamasimx About Me
Don’t forget to enjoy your day.
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Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England have temporarily advised against the home use of birthing pools with built-in heaters and recirculation pumps, potentially filled up to 2 weeks in advance of the birth. This follows a single case of Legionnaires’ disease identified in a baby born in this specific type of birthing pool at home. The baby is currently receiving intensive care treatment in hospital.
Samples taken from the heated birthing pool used have confirmed the presence of legionella bacteria, which cause Legionnaires’ disease. Tests are ongoing to establish if it is the same strain which infected the baby. This is the first reported case of Legionnaires’ disease linked to a birthing pool in England, although there have been 2 cases reported internationally some years ago.
NHS England has today issued a Patient Safety Alert rapidly notifying the healthcare system – and specifically midwives – to the possible risks associated with the use of these heated birthing pools at home. The alert recommends that heated birthing pools, filled in advance of labour and where the temperature is maintained by use of a heater and pump, are not used for labour or birth. In the meantime, a full risk assessment into their use is being carried out.
The majority of birthing pools used at home are filled from domestic hot water systems at the time of labour – these birthing pools do not pose the same risk and are excluded from this alert. There are no concerns about these types of pools as long as pumps are used solely to empty the pool and not for recirculation of warm water.
Professor Nick Phin, PHE’s head of Legionnaires’ disease, said:
This is an extremely unusual situation, which we are taking very seriously. As a precaution, we advise that heated birthing pools, filled in advance of labour and where the temperature is then maintained by use of a heater and pump, are not used in the home setting, while we investigate further and until definitive advice on disinfection and safety is available.
We do not have concerns about purchased or hired pools that are filled from domestic hot water supplies at the onset of labour, provided that any pumps are used solely for pool emptying.
PHE and relevant local authorities are investigating the infection control measures required for this type of birthing pool and local authorities will be working with the small number of companies who supply these heated birthing pools for use at home.
Louise Silverton, director for midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives, said:
Women planning birth at home using a traditional pool that is filled when the woman is in labour or using a fixed pool in an NHS unit are not affected by this alert and should not be concerned. Birthing pools in hospitals are subject to stringent infection control procedures and monitoring. Home birthing pools filled during labour come with disposable liners and are only in place for a relatively short time period, reducing opportunity for bacterial growth.
Any women with concerns about using home birthing pools should contact their midwife or local maternity unit.
Legionnaires’ disease is extremely rare in childhood, with only 1 case in children aged 0 to 9 years reported in England between 1990 to 2011.The infection does not spread from person-to-person – people become infected with the bacteria through inhalation of contaminated water droplets.
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Picture from the NHS
I have used my homemade olive oil lotion from birth on all my kids so would smother her scalp day and night to soften the scales. I have to admit a perverse enjoyment is gently combing or picking (much to my Mum’s horror) the scales off when they were soft.
Picking them off is not recommended as it can cause infection though.
One poor little chap at Babygirl’s Tiny Talk sing and sign group has terrible Cradle Cap. I have never seen a little one with it this badly and I can clearly understand how it’s name came amount. His mother has tried everything to no avail. She hopes that it will simply disappear over time.
This led me to do a little reading up on the subject!
Traditionally it was just left, but more recently oil have been used to soften the scales. Olive oil being the most recommended, probably because it is easily available. But really any oil can be used apparently. Omega 3 oils, either fish or plant based are also recommended because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Other emollient creams are also used now; creams such as Shea Butter and Coconut Oil.
The following are the NHS guidelines.
Cradle cap is the yellowish, greasy scaly patches that sometimes appear on the scalp of young babies.
It’s a common, harmless condition that does not usually itch or cause discomfort to the baby.
The medical name for cradle cap is seborrhoeic dermatitis. It usually occurs on the scalp, but can also appear on the face, ears and neck, or in skin folds, such as at the back of the knees and armpits.
Cradle cap usually appears in babies in the first two months and tends to clear up by itself after a few weeks or months, although in rare cases it can last much longer.
What does cradle cap look like?
Cradle cap is easy to recognise by the large, greasy, yellow or brown scales on your baby’s scalp. The scales will eventually start to flake and may make the affected skin appear red. Sometimes, the hair may come away with the flakes.
Read more about the signs of cradle cap.
What causes cradle cap?
Exactly what causes cradle cap is not clear, although it may be linked to overactive sebaceous glands. These are glands in the skin that produce an oily substance called sebum.
Cradle cap is not contagious and it is not due to poor hygiene or an allergy.
Read more about the causes of cradle cap.
Does cradle cap need treatment?
Most cases of cradle cap will clear up on their own in time. Gently washing your baby’s hair and scalp can help prevent a build-up of scales, and massaging baby oil or natural oil – such as almond or olive oil – into their scalp at night can help loosen the crust.
There is usually no need to see your GP if your baby has cradle cap. However, you may want to ask them for advice if your baby’s scalp becomes inflamed or if the cradle cap spreads to other parts of their body.
It’s important not to pick at the scales as this may cause an infection.
The signs of cradle cap are greasy, yellow or brown patches on top of a baby’s head.
If you notice your child is itching or there is swelling, speak to your GP because it may be another condition, such as atopic eczema.
The signs of cradle cap are:
It’s possible that your baby’s hair may also come away when the flakes fall off or are removed. However, it will grow back.
Cradle cap is not a serious condition and should not cause your child any problems or irritation. However, it is important not to scratch or pick at cradle cap, in case an infection develops.
As well as appearing on the scalp, cradle cap can sometimes spread behind the ears. The patches may also appear in other areas, such as the groin (nappy area), the nose, armpits and the backs of the knees.
When cradle cap appears on a part of the body other than the scalp, it is known as seborrhoeic dermatitis.
The cause of cradle cap is not clear, but may be linked to overactive sebaceous glands.
These are glands in the skin that produce an oily substance called sebum.
Some babies are thought to retain some of their mother’s hormones in their bodies for several weeks or months after the birth. These hormones may make the baby’s glands more active and produce more sebum.
The excess sebum causes old skin cells to stick to the scalp, instead of drying up and falling off as they would normally do.
Cradle cap is not contagious and not caused by a lack of cleanliness. If a baby has cradle cap, it does not mean they have an infection or that they are not being looked after properly.
It is thought that a child with cradle cap may be more likely to have other types of seborrhoeic dermatitis, such as dandruff, when they are older.
Cradle cap requires no specific treatment and usually clears up on its own after a number of weeks or months.
However, gently washing your baby’s hair and scalp with baby shampoo may help prevent a build-up of flakes.
Gently massaging a small amount of baby oil or natural oil, such as almond or olive oil, into the scalp at night can help to soften and loosen the scales. In the morning use a soft baby brush or cloth to gently remove any loose particles and then wash the hair with a baby shampoo.
You could also try washing their hair more frequently than usual (up to once a day) and brushing the scalp using a soft brush to remove any loose flakes.
It’s important not to pick at the scales because it may cause an infection.
Stronger shampoos
If regularly washing your baby’s hair has not helped, shampoos to help loosen cradle cap are available over the counter at pharmacies. Check the patient information leaflet before using these for any ingredients your child is allergic to and follow the instructions carefully.
Avoid getting any shampoo in your baby’s eyes because they are stronger than ordinary baby shampoo. If you are unsure, speak to your pharmacist for advice.
Shampoos that contain groundnut oil or peanut oil should be avoided in children under five years of age.
See your GP if your baby’s cradle cap is severe, there is swelling or bleeding, or if there are signs of cradle cap on their face or body (seborrhoeic dermatitis).
Treating infection
If your baby’s cradle cap becomes inflamed or infected, a course of antibiotics, or an antifungal cream or shampoo, such as ketoconazole, may be prescribed by a doctor. A mild steroid cream, such as hydrocortisone, may also be recommended for an inflamed rash.
Have you had experience with cradle cap. How did you treat it?
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My sister’s dutch Kraamzorg (postnatal nurse) explained “If you have a baby sucking at your breast for most of the day and night, of course it’s going to hurt!”
After breastfeeding my 3 babies my experience is that it is almost always uncomfortable and your nipples can become even more sore and painful if baby is not opening their mouth wide enough and taking in a good mouthful of nipple and breast! Also I find for the first 6 weeks my nipples are very sore until they become used to the constant sucking. Things always got easier after that. They toughened up a bit!
Mastitis is something else however. It is an very painful inflammation of the breast. I was surprised to learn that non-breastfeeding women can also suffer. Read on for some very useful information of symptoms and treatment, provided by the NHS.
Mastitis usually only affects one breast and symptoms often develop quickly.
These symptoms include:
Over half of women with mastitis may also experience flu-like symptoms such as:
Visit your GP immediately if you experience these symptoms, and you also have a red, tender area on your breast.
Mastitis is not usually a serious condition, but advice and prompt treatment may be needed to stop the condition getting worse.
Speaking to your GP or midwife will also help to reassure you.
Mastitis can usually be easily treated and most women will make a full recovery very quickly.
Most cases of non-infectious mastitis can be treated using a number of self care techniques such as:
You should try to continue breastfeeding if you have mastitis. Following the advice outlined below should improve your symptoms.
Infectious mastitis will need to be treated using a combination of the above techniques and antibiotics (medication to treat infections caused by bacteria).
If you are breastfeeding, your GP will prescribe an antibiotic that is safe to use. This will usually be a tablet or capsule that you take orally (by mouth) four times a day.
A very small amount of the antibiotic may enter your breast milk and may make your baby irritable and restless or your baby’s stools looser (runnier) and more frequent.
These effects are usually temporary and will resolve once you have finished the course of antibiotics. They do not pose a risk to your baby.
Your nipples may become sore if your baby is not properly attached during feeding. Your GP, midwife or health visitor will be able to advise about how to improve your breastfeeding technique. You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 for advice.
If your nipples do not heal, you should return to your GP because you may have an infection. If you still have mastitis or pain in your breast, your GP may prescribe an oral antibiotic (see above).
Sore nipples can also be a sign of thrush, a fungal infection caused by the yeast fungus, Candida albicans. If you have thrush, you may also have:
Your GP may prescribe a cream that you will need to apply to your breasts after every feed, for two weeks. Your baby may also need to be treated if they develop thrush in their mouth.
This information is from the NHS site here.
Mamasimx About Me
Don’t forget to enjoy your day.
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