Rice bag - reusable or not?

[tlcdoula]

Since there is another thread on rice bags it got me thinking. I am curious to know how many of you ladies reuse them with other mothers?

I have never reused them as there is truly no way to sanitize them between mothers. If you have a cover you can wash the cover, but what about it something goes through the cover? I could only see having a washable cover if there was a plastic - non leak proof barrier between the rice bag and the cover.

When I first started I used to carry a rice bag in my doula bag and then I had a mom question whether I reuse them or not and how I clean them, etc. I never reused them, but kept one in my bag and if the mom needed it then she used it and kept it. Now I just make one for each client that I have and I give it to them at a prenatal.

So, how many reuse and if you do, how do you sanitize it to ensure that no bodily fluids got through to the rice?

[AussieDoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlcdoula So, how many reuse and if you do, how do you sanitize it to ensure that no bodily fluids got through to the rice?

I really don't think there is a way to completely sanitise a pack. I am interested to see if anyone does.

I have never re-used a rice/flax/oat pack. Like you, I give one to every client at a prenatal. I also bring an extra (unused and sealed in a ziplock) to the birth in case mama needs more than one heat pack or forgot hers. Once she uses it, she keeps it. Some I make with removable covers, some I don't but the entire thing gets given to mama and only she uses it.

I have a rice pack that I reuse on myself, lol! Heats my belly or back up sometimes when Aunt Flo comes to visit.

[SabbathD]

I could see myself making a reusable one if I used some of my excess diaper making fabrics, like PUL to make it. I just don't know how well that would heat in the microwave, but I guess it holds up pretty well to the dryer....

[AussieDoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SabbathD I could see myself making a reusable one if I used some of my excess diaper making fabrics, like PUL to make it. I just don't know how well that would heat in the microwave, but I guess it holds up pretty well to the dryer....

Just trying to wrap my brain around the PUL suggestion... it probably wouldn't be too comfy on the skin? I know in diapers it's sandwiched between fabric or on the oustide. Just thinking about microwaved PUL on my mamas' sweaty (or oiled) skin, feeling like a deflated balloon that has been blown up too many times, lol!

Maybe you could make a washable PUL cover that goes over the bag of rice. You couldn't use a zipper or snaps... you'd probably have to actually seal it. I just can't see myself going to so much trouble for something that only costs a few bucks and makes a great gift that mama can use prenatally, during labour, and in the postpartum period.

You'll have to forgive me, it's been a while since I slept.

[SabbathD]

Well, diaper PUL is actually quite soft. I don't think I would actually, but you COULD.

I agree that I would make one for each mama. I don't think I specified that in my post. So I would probably make a flannel one.

[1stimestar]

If there is a chance it might get messy, I wrap it in a chux pad. I only use them with covers. Never had one get wet yet.

[DoulaCBE]

While I have heat packs for at home, I long ago stopped using them on clients.

I make hot packs out of gallon sized zip lock bags and use hospital washclothes (wet first) and microwave at 30 second increments until hot. I then wrap in a towel, or in a pillow case (prefer a pillowcase) and then I can just change the case and reheat the bag and rewet the washcloths if needed. Since the bag is square and large (washcloths fill the entire interior) it drapes wonderfully over a back or tummy.

I also use gallon sized ziploc bags for making cold packs. Half fill with ice, deflate any air, wrap in towel or pillowcase.

I carry 2-4 bags in my birth bag at all times and usually grab a few more when I'm on my way out the door to a birth just in case.

[WildWest Doula]

I also used the ziplocks with crushed ice for cold packs. I use rice pillows for hot pack that I make. I have small ones that once mom uses she keeps but I do have some I reuse.

I triple sew the seams using a heavy duty plastic ( crib covers work great!) then I cover the entire thing in a very plush fabric and sew. I wash them by hand in the sink. The plastic keeps fluid and water from getting on the rice and the fabric keeps it soft and comfortable for mom.

[Kim Trower]

i use a hot pack that is actually corn and very heavy that mom's love on their back. I have covers and have yet to have any thing get through it...all the messy stuff usually happens at pushing and by then most mom's dont want anything on them, maybe a cool washcloth but not a hot pack on their backs...

[RosyDoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoulaCBE I make hot packs out of gallon sized zip lock bags and use hospital washclothes (wet first) and microwave at 30 second increments until hot. I then wrap in a towel, or in a pillow case (prefer a pillowcase) and then I can just change the case and reheat the bag and rewet the washcloths if needed. Since the bag is square and large (washcloths fill the entire interior) it drapes wonderfully over a back or tummy.

I used to do that too, but in the nourishment room at UofM there was a sign on the microwave saying to not heat hospital linens, so I stopped. Too bad too, cause it kept heat really well for a good long time and was flatter. Oh well. Now I just bring rice socks and a ziplock bag. I keep the sock in the bag before I bring it back to her room because the smell bothers some.

Maybe its just me, but it seems kinda a waste to give clients a rice sock at a prenatal if they forget it. Do they forget them often? If they did, I'd just bring one to the hospital and either throw it away or let them have it.

I definitely use a different one for each client, since some put it on "their stuff."

[Ohio Doula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RosyDoula I definitely use a different one for each client, since some put it on "their stuff."

That's what I used mine for with my last baby and it felt great!

[AmandaB]

I just make them out of tube socks and every client gets their own.

[Tiffany]

Since we cannot heat anything in the microwaves at our hospital, I use something different. I heard of these from my doula partner Rachel, and I forget where she first heard of them.

They are gel hearts, and when you flip the disc in the middle of them, they start turning into this crazy solid inside that is HOT! Up to 129F. It stays HOT for about 30 min, and then peters out to warm for an hour or so after. The BEST thing is that they are reusable! To reset it, you boil it for 10 minutes in a pot of water. This also means it's once again STERILE!!! Is that not the coolest thing ever???

We each have two right now, but more are in our future. We want to carry at least 3-4 in our doula bags. At the birth on Thursday, we only ended up using one. Mom LOVED it!! Hospital staff loved it too because you couldn't burn mom with it, didn't have to heat it in the microwave, etc.

I think it is a doula super tool.

[SabbathD]

so.....where did you get it?

[RosyDoula]