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Homebirth laundry question

ErinMSBErinMSB
in Natural Birth

How did you wash your soiled sheets/towels/washcloths/etc. after the birth?  I've heard hydorgen peroxide is good for getting out blood, but I don't know when to add it (during the soak, maybe?). Thanks!

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Re: Homebirth laundry question

  • DreadLocDreadLoc member
    Put the hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and spray it directly on the blood before you wash until it runs clear. The blood should disappear right before your eyes.  It probably wouldn't hurt to add it to the soak as well.



    however long the night, dawn will break.

    image

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  • cocadollcocadoll member
    There was no blood on anything. ?The only thing that was slightly messy was the towel(s) that DS was wrapped in. ?We just washed everything normal (I think since my mom did it) and everything came clean. ?I think you just put it on the stain before washing it. ?Make sure to do it while it is still wet. ?Don't use hot water first or the stain will set. ?You can put the peroxide in a spray bottle to make it easier.?






     

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  • lindsaylllindsayll
    Honestly, I'd probably just buy some super cheap sheets and towels, toss them afterward, and call it a day.
    image
    Mucho likes purple nails and purple cupcakes
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  • ErinMSBErinMSB

    imagelindsayll:
    Honestly, I'd probably just buy some super cheap sheets and towels, toss them afterward, and call it a day.

    I considered this too...  But I just can't bring myself to throw away something that could be saved!

    I'll add "spray bottle" to my list of things to buy for the HB.  Thanks!

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  • lindsaylllindsayll
    Or don't buy new, pick some used stuff from Goodwill, bleach and wash hot.  You can try to save it, but if you can't, you won't feel bad tossing it.  Or just keep them in the garage to be used as drop cloths for painting, oil changes, etc.
    image
    Mucho likes purple nails and purple cupcakes
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  • Fun2DreamFun2Dream

    I got a sheet at a thrift store for $1.  I figure we can use it as a drop cloth/dog bed/etc afterward.

    My MWs do all the cleanup - do yours not? 

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  • MrsTiaraMrsTiara
    I bought sheets from the thrift store (had enough old towels & washcloths) and will keep them to use for my next birth.  After that, I'll offer them to another home birth momma.  (and I'm anal retentive enough to have an old bath mat for next to my tub, too)
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  • pinksweetpea2pinksweetpea2 member

    Oxi-clean is amazing.   I didn't have to throw a single thing out.  :)


    Lilypie - (ZESJ)Lilypie - (QAi1)

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  • *LrCg**LrCg* member
    I had a water birth so there was no blood except on a few towels.  My water did break while I was sleeping and we just washed it out.  As for the towels, my midwife and her assistants did all the laundry and folded it before they left (you may want to check with your midwife on this- I think its pretty custom) and I believe all they used was my regular detergent on cold (remember stains get out better in cold water).  She did suggest having hydrogen peroxide on hand in case anything got on the carpet but that never happened.  Like I said, I would assume your midwife and/or her assistance will put your house back how it was when they arrived.
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  • ErinMSBErinMSB

    imageMrsTiara:
    I bought sheets from the thrift store (had enough old towels & washcloths) and will keep them to use for my next birth.  After that, I'll offer them to another home birth momma.  (and I'm anal retentive enough to have an old bath mat for next to my tub, too)

    I've been wanting new bathroom mats for a while now.  Is it too sneaky to try to yuck them up so I can buy new ones?  :)

    I know my MW and her assistants clean up, but I've never really asked all that that entails.  I kind of assumed we (or more likely one of our moms) would start laundry after the birth.  I'll have to ask about all this.  Thanks for the suggestions!

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