Client with a cold.

scarborogal · 11-28-2007, 11:11 AM

Help? My client is due in two weeks and has a horrible cold. Nasal congestion and body aches. I've suggested vics vapour rub and Otrivin (I used it during my pregnancy colds) and nothing is budging it. She is very concerned that she will not be able to breathe during her contractions. How can we get her cleared up?

UtahDoula · 11-28-2007, 11:26 AM

That's the realm of a MW or Doc, not a doula. The most I would do is suggest a call tot he care proivder or the book "I'm Pregnant and I have a Cold!" by Towers.

AmandaB · 11-28-2007, 12:14 PM

The Keats Book recomends:
Humidifier
Plenty of Vit C
Saline solution nasal spray
or she can call Toby for homeopathic treatment

doula Michele · 11-28-2007, 12:18 PM

Into bed after a nice warm bath or shower. Lots of tea and lots of water to thin the mucus.
Lots of rest, self care, and water is the only way I know to cure a cold.

DoulaYvonne · 11-28-2007, 12:35 PM

As far as I know, there is no way to CURE a cold - I wish there was! As far as relieving symptoms: force fluids! Drink water really often. Rest! Naps and getting to bed early. A humidifier is a great suggestion too. Anything other than that falls into the realm of her HCP.

Raven · 11-28-2007, 01:14 PM

I am not a qualified aromatherapist but here's my two pence worth - Eucalyptus oil.
This is a fabulous decongestant and worked miracles on my grandson the night before last BUT:
Your client needs to be aware that some sources list Eucalyptus as being toxic for pregnant women. That said, the sources are referring to the ingestion of Eucalyptus oil by and large. So this oil must never be taken by mouth.
Sources which suggest its use for colds and congestion in pregnancy say that putting a few drops on a tissue and leaving the tissue nearby can be helpful. Some suggest putting drops in boiling water and then inhaling the steam. Putting the oil on the skin should be avoided as it can cause rashes and burning. Oversniffing the oil should also be avoided as it won't make the congestion ease any quicker and can have a counter-effect.
Denise Tiran in her book 'Clinical Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and Childbirth' says that inhaling the oil vapour is fine but Eucalyptus should be avoided by women who have epilepsy and high blood pressure. It should also not be taken with homeopathic remedies as it can affect their effectiveness.
HTH,
Kath

betterbirths · 11-28-2007, 02:08 PM

Hot water with lemon juice and honey is a great decongestant as well
I also have a mint pillow which is jsut a little fabric pillow filled with dridd mint and I spritz it with water and heat in the microwave and inhale the steam off of it. Mint tea may have the same effect.

scarborogal · 11-29-2007, 08:06 PM

Thanks everyone for your advice. I will make a list for my client.
I really appreciate it.
Cheers,
K.

scarborogal · 11-29-2007, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amandoula1980

The Keats Book recomends:
Humidifier
Plenty of Vit C
Saline solution nasal spray
or she can call Toby for homeopathic treatment

Amanda, where is Toby located? My client is far east and is not likely to travel as she is absalutely huge and uncomfortable. Do you know anyone in the Pickering or Oshawa area?

Cheers,
K.

scarborogal · 11-29-2007, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UtahDoula

That's the realm of a MW or Doc, not a doula. The most I would do is suggest a call tot he care proivder or the book "I'm Pregnant and I have a Cold!" by Towers.

Utah, Thank you for your comment. Fortunately I'm not stupid and my client is going to see her doctor. I was merely looking for more suggestions as what the others had suggested.
Unfortunately, your comment struck me as judgemental, though that may have to do with my current state of mind.

Cheers,
K.

Intuitivedoula · 11-30-2007, 02:31 AM

I have found that women usually don't go into labor when they are sick - their bodies have a way of hunkering down until it passes....let us know how she does - and you too...I hope you are feeling better before the birth.

Carla

Tiffany · 11-30-2007, 10:03 AM

I agree 100% with Carla, and if I hadn't just read her comment, it was what I was going to say. Women do not seem to go into labour until the colds go away! I was about 2 weeks away from my due date with Olivia and I had a midwife and homebirth planned. I had a HORRIBLE cold. She told me my body won't go into labour until I am well and I totally didn't believe her. Lo and behold, at 39w5d, a couple days after I started feeling better I went into labour and had an awesome brith. She was right!!

raeben · 12-11-2007, 09:47 PM

ditto carla and tiffany. i drove up to seattle one time to be with a good friend for her labor. she felt like she was definitely starting labor (it was her second baby) but a really bad cold came on that day. her labor pretty much went into a holding pattern for 4 days till she was better. her midwife said this was a really normal thing as it is the body's way of conserving energy so she didn't have to do both at the same time.

on a side note, i felt like utah's comment was entirely appropriate and not judgmental, as caring for a clients cold is not necessarily a doula's job. just my 2 cents.

scarborogal · 12-12-2007, 07:46 AM

Thank you for your comments. Fortunately my client is much better and I never had to do a thing. Sadly her baby has turned breach at the last minute so we have other things to deal with.

As for Utahs comments, this thread is not about that.

Cheers,
K.