Updated, May 2022 – Just because they sell it, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Throw away these hand sanitizers immediately because these Hand Sanitizers Test Positive for Toxic Methanol. Methanol can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. It can also be life-threatening when ingested. The FDA has already received reports of products causing blindness, hospitalizations and death.
Many new cleaners and sanitizers have come on the market since the COVID19 outbreak. We know now that the virus is transmitted by air and liquid droplets so wearing a mask properly can help stop and slow transmission. Hand washing or sanitizing is still recommended and helps stop the spread of the flu, colds and other illnesses.
Hand Sanitizers Test Positive for Toxic Methanol
If you have any brand name or “manufactured by” hand sanitizers on this list, please throw them away immediately. The FDA has reported a “a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination.” There are 87 known contaminated products and all have been recalled, but many have made it out to consumer shelves. Even a trusted sounding name like Hello Kitty or NeoNatural may contain methanol.
Be advised also that many contaminated products are simply labeled “Hand Sanitizer.” If you have one of these generic names sanitizers please check the label for the manufacturer name. Products with the following manufacturer names have been recalled: Esk, Grupo Insoma, Limpio Quimicos, MXL, Soluciones and Tropocosmeticos.
If you need sanitizer, remember you can also use alcohol wipes or soak cotton balls in alcohol and use the cotton ball on your hands. Hand washing is always recommended as it kills more germs but sanitizers can be used when hand washing isn’t an option.
COVID19 Safety Recommendations from an Infection Prevention Specialist and Public Health RN, Laura Hegarty-Moore, RN, MPH. Laura us an LMS alumnus and now works at MarinHealth Medical Center in Greenbrae, CA, working on the frontlines of the pandemic.
Public Health RN and Infection Prevention Specialist
COVID19 Safety Recommendations
Cover your face in public.
First, let’s talk about masks-yes, they ARE effective! Masks, even cloth masks, are effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19. While hospital-grade masks provide some more protection, cloth masks are sufficient for your everyday encounters out in public. Studies have compared cities that used masks with ones that didn’t and the masks proved effective at curbing the spread of the coronavirus.
When should I wear a mask?In any indoor public space, when waiting in line, when getting healthcare, and outdoors if you can’t stay 6ft away from others not in your household.
When can I take off my mask? When engaged in strenuous outdoor work or recreation, when giving birth, when outdoors with those you live with as long as you maintain a 6ft. distance from others not in your household, when driving in your car alone or with those you live with, when eating or drinking, or in your house with those you live with, provided everyone is COVID-19 free. Here’s a country by country comparison of mask wearing as well, updated June 15, 2020.
Gloves and Hand Hygiene
Do not wear gloves in public. This is a big pet peeve for me! The CDC doesn’t recommend routine glove use. Wearing gloves in public actually spreads more germs around on more surfaces, increasing your risk of getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many people studied removed their gloves incorrectly or thought they didn’t need to wash their hands, causing more germs to spread. For example, while wearing gloves at a grocery store, people often touch many dirty surfaces without cleaning their hands in between. Then they reach for their phone and start typing a message. Now the phone is contaminated. The next time you put the phone to your face, it’s covered with all the germs from the grocery store! Ew!
Cleaning your hands frequently and properly is your best defense against COVID-19! Clean with either soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel. While handwashing is always preferred because it is the most powerful way to eliminate germs, sanitizer is still very effective. If you’re washing with soap and water, scrub for at least 20 seconds (hum “happy birthday” twice!) making sure to scrub all surfaces- between all your fingers and under your fingernails. If you’re using an alcohol-based hand gel, rub the product between your hands until it’s dry (no time limit on this one!) making sure again to cover all surfaces of your hands.
When should I use soap and water vs. alcohol-based hand gel? Use soap and water when your hands are visibly soiled (e.g. after gardening, playing outdoors, or cleaning up baby puke), after using the restroom, after changing a diaper, before and after preparing or eating food, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
You can use alcohol-based hand gel any time your hands are not visibly soiled and handwashing isn’t an option, such as before and after going to the store, before and after visiting someone in the hospital, and after touching shared surfaces like computers or shopping carts.
Understand Real & Fake News; COVID19 Safety Recommendations from an Infection Prevention Specialist
Don’t spread rumors, and always check your sources. Spreading misinformation is almost as bad as spreading germs! Some good ways to know if a source is legit is to ask yourself these questions: First of all, does this information come from the CDC, the WHO, or another similar guiding organization? They combine all the research to give you the best recommendations. Next, find out- is this a study? Studies are the best source for evidence-based research, and a randomized controlled trial, or RCT, is considered the gold standard. Some click-bait headlines will claim to show you horrifying results of “a new study,” but when you click on it, there’s no real study to be found! Fake news!
Next, if it’s not a study, but an article, check out the author’s credentials. Ask yourself, is this person an expert in the field? Not all doctors specialize in infectious disease, and not all public health professionals are doctors. You want to look for credentials in Epidemiology, Public Health, and/or Infectious Disease. Also, see if there’s any potential bias. For example, if there’s an article on a new drug written by a drug company, you may want to take it with a grain of salt. Lastly, you want to ask yourself- is this material current? Information about COVID-19 has been changing rapidly and you want to make sure what you’re sharing is the most up-to-date.
Testing
Only get tested if you need to. If you have no exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 positive person and no COVID-19 symptoms, you shouldn’t get tested. Exposure is defined as spending longer than 15 minutes with someone, closer than 6ft apart, while one or both of you weren’t wearing a mask. If you meet these criteria or you’re having symptoms, consult your doctor on whether or not you should get tested.
Many people recover at home with no need to be tested and no need for medical intervention, but if you have risk factors; like you are an older adult, you’re pregnant, or you have asthma, you may want to be tested.
Remember, COVID19 is not the only illness out there and working with newborns means we have to be extra vigilant with health and safety. Here are our night nanny and nurses’ tips to stay healthy and minimize exposure to flu, virus and cold germs.
Do you have questions for Laura or our staff on keeping safe throughout the pandemic? We are here to help!
Updated April 13, 2023 – The Public Health Emergency for COVID19 formally ends on May 11, 2023. We know of course that COVID “ended” before this date for many. As restrictions have eased we are no longer quarantining between families or requiring testing unless symptoms present. However, we are continuing to do the following and will continue to update practices as potential health issues evolve with COVID19 Safety Protocols: A Message from the CEO.
What we have always done, and will continue to do:
Handwashing: Caregivers wash hands upon arrival into the family home. We continue hand-washing and sanitizing through the night and before and after all contact with baby.
Vaccines: Following American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC guidelines for healthcare providers, we remain updated on influenza, pertussis (TDaP) and MMR vaccines; illnesses to which newborns are especially vulnerable. As a company, we request proof of these vaccinations, in accordance with the EEOC exceptions for healthcare workers.
COVID Vaccine: 99% of staff are fully covid vaccinated. However there are several caregivers with medical exemption who have not received the vaccine. Families are welcome to have this conversation with us and their caregiver.
Continuing Ed: We provide free continuing education to all staff to ensure we are following the most recent safety, health and care guidelines.
Possible Illness: Staff is kept home at any sign of illness, even if symptoms might be “just allergies.”
Mask: Masks will be used upon the request of family. Caregivers can of course also mask at their own discretion.
COVID19 Safety Protocols: A Message from the CEO was Updated Jan 1, 2022. Yes, we are now all vaccinated including the booster. We understand and respect that some folks have big feelings about the vaccine. As an evidence-based newborn and postpartum care company however, we are following the advice of the CDC, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
previously updated Jan 11, 2021 – Our Nurses and Newborn Care Providers are now receiving the 2nd round of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Mask wearing is still happening to protect families with children who are not old enough to be vaccinated yet.
previously updated- Dec 1, 2020 Here at Let Mommy Sleep we pride ourselves on using the highest vetting and safety practices possible since we began in 2010. As a company dedicated to evidence-based care, we lean on the recommendations of the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other primary sources. We believe the statement that vaccines for health care workers are “ethical, necessary and just” to protect vulnerable populations such as newborns and infants.
Coronavirus has caused us to examine and refine our practices even further. While we all wish we weren’t in this sensitive situation we’re proud to have the opportunity to share our safety practices as well as newer covid19 protocols.
In March 2020, when there were still so many unknowns about coronavirus (which we now call COVID19), Let Mommy Sleep voluntarily shut down. Although we are considered an essential service, the risk was too great to our team, families and newborns. Since reopening we’ve implemented new safety practices, in addition to our ongoing protocols:
COVID19 Safety Protocols: A Message from the CEO- What we’ve implemented since covid19:(March 2020-Jan 2022)
All caregivers wear masks, unless family and caregiver are both vaccinated and request not to be masked.
COVID19 vaccinations for all staff when available.
Quarantine following current recommendations.
Routine testing
Routine health monitoring (fever, sense of taste, headache etc.)
What can families and Newborn and Postpartum Care providers do together to minimize coronovirus and illness exposure?
In addition to following CDC recommendations, please leave sanitizing wipes or other household cleaners out for our team to use periodically through the night. We can’t always practice social distancing when caring for babies, but we can mask, handwash and clean, clean, clean!
We remain thankful and privileged to be in your homes.
updated June 2, 2024 – As a Postpartum doula and night nanny my biggest piece of advice to new parents is to get out and enjoy the Chicago summers. I know this may be easier said than done, but much can be accomplished with the guidance of your night nurse. Check out our list of 50 Activities for Baby by Chicago’s Postpartum Doulas, from the overnight infant care providers of Let Mommy Sleep.
Fabienne gave us some tips and allowed us to get some well needed rest. Our little girl was very comfortable with her as well. Thank you Let Mommy Sleep Chicago!
SZ, Grayslake
50 Activities to do with Baby in Chicago: 1-10
Create a pottery keepsake with baby’s hand or footprint at a “paint your own” cafe. This a great sensory activity for infants and toddlers, not to mention a one of a kind grandparent gift.
Blow up balloons and let your infant hit them in the air! Or let the air out to hear that sound that’s sure to make them laugh!
Stroll a garden, zoo or nature center. When they’re big enough, put newborns in a carrier face out so they can take it all in.
Make a video to share with family/friends.
Head to the library…for storytime or open play. This is a favorite among parents and nannies.
Get on your newborn’s eye level for tummy time
Visit a park; babies love to watch older kids, it’s how they learn to play.
Multitasking parents can join a stroller fitness class. You get to socialize, exercise and have your baby nap all at the same time.
Pack a simple picnic. Lay on your backs and marvel at the sky and the leaves. There are so many options in Lincoln Park!
Set up an email address for baby and email photos, memories and messages of love to open when they’re a teenager.
50 Activities to do with Baby in Chicago: 11-20
Kitchen dance party! The classic go to for nighttime babysitters and nannies!
Grow a baby-sized garden out of kitchen scraps…it’s very easy and you can do it indoors.
Compose and record a personalized song
Give baby a daytime bath just for fun
Let your solid-eating baby “paint” with baby food, yogurt or squishy fruit…add food coloring for more fun!
Strap baby into a carrier and take a hike.
Put some food coloring into water and let baby mix the colors, or watch you make color changes.
Step up your nightlight game with an LED projector Collect flowers or leaves and dry them in the pages of a book
Let baby kick in sand or dirt.
Try the beaches near Edgewater! Your baby can fall asleep on you while you’re holding her. Parents, night nannies, nurses and doulas all unanimously promise you’re not creating any bad habits!
How About You?
Are you in the Chicago area and have family friendly and toddler activities to add to this list? What can you add to our list of 50 Activities to do with Baby in Chicago ? Let Erin know on Instagram…she’s a mom of 3 and the owner of LMS Chicago and a resident of Elmhurst, IL! In addition to all this, Erin is an expert in newborn care, postpartum doula support and hiring excellent Night Nurses.
Postpartum Doulas and Night Nannies serving: Grayslake, Libertyville, Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Palatine, Barrington, Arlington Heights, Des Plains, Park Ridge, Morton Grove, Wheaton, Naperville, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Hoffman Estates, Lombard, Carol Stream, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Winfield, Deerfield, Northbrook, Northfield, Glenview, Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Deer Park, Oak Park, River Forest, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Logan Square, Edgewater, Rogers Park, Lincolnwood, Bucktown, Uptown, Downtown, Lincoln Square, Wicker Park, West Loop, South Loop, The Loop, Streeterville, River North, Old Town, Gold Coast, Mayfair, Andersonville, Ravenswood, Irving Park, Glen Ellyn, Glencoe, La Grange and Schaumburg
Coronavirus continues to be a threat to the American public. Because of this, giving birth during covid19 in a hospital or a healthcare setting has many expecting parents feeling more anxious than usual. To help parents feel more confident and in control, common labor and delivery interventions are detailed below including coronavirus protocols. If interventions happen, parents and support people will know exactly what’s happening and why. Knowing the facts help us make informed decisions, and this blog Giving Birth During Covid19: Protocols and Possible Interventions can help you be prepared.
We will continue to update this blog as more information becomes available.
Whether opting for a natural birth or an epidural, it can be helpful to understand the basics of medicines that may be administered during labor. Knowing the terms doctors and nurses use , and understanding the effects of potential interventions can help parents can feel comfortable. Decision making can happen quickly, especially if there are unexpected changes.
Below is an overview of medications, protocols and interventions that may be used during labor and birth.
Giving Birth During Covid19: Protocols and Possible Interventions
As coronavirus continues, many hospitals are now implementing stricter rules on their maternity floors. Each hospital is different so it’s important to understand your hospital or birthing center’s specific procedures but we do know that in almost every hospital, everyone should be prepared to wear masks even during labor.
Many hospitals are also implementing either a 1 visitor rule, meaning that birth moms can have 1 designated person supporting them through labor and delivery. The support person cannot change through mother’s entire stay in hospital. If it’ your sister who brought you to the hospital, it must be your sister who stays as your “plus 1” during all of labor and delivery. The support person can come and go, but cannot change. Generally, no children under 18 are allowed to visit at all during this time.
One thing to remember is that maternity wards are typically in a completely different, secured section of the hospital to minimize exposure risk of coronavirus and other illnesses to families and newborns. Coronavirus protocols are in place to protect families in a place that is considered safe to begin with. Epidurals, Anesthesia and Spinal Blocks
An epidural is the local anesthesia administered just outside the membrane that surrounds your spinal cord and spinal fluid. Epidurals are the most common pain relief for laboring mothers. While there are differing opinions on the effect epidurals have on baby, they are overwhelmingly considered safe for baby’s health. There are reports of babies born to moms who have had epidurals taking longer to get into position for birth, since the epidural also travels to the baby through the umbilical cord.
Temporary side effects of epidurals are heavy shivering, a ringing of the ears, backache, nausea or difficulty urinating. These are also considered harmless to mom and baby. Because they are used to dull the intense sensations of labor, an epidural may also slow contractions.
Spinal Block– A spinal block is a type of regional anesthesia, where the body is numb from the belly down. This is the intervention used for c-section birth since it means that mother cannot move, or feel any sensation.
General Anesthesia Use of general anesthesia is extremely rare, but we’re including the term so parents will know the difference between general and regional anesthesia. General anesthesia means being completely asleep. (An example of when general anesthesia would be appropriate is if birth needed to be induced due to a traumatic car accident- again, very rare). Regional anesthesia again, is being numb in just one area (region).
Because the body is numb from the belly down with anesthesia, a Foley catheter will be inserted into the bladder to drain urine.
Oxygen
Oxygen, administered through an oxygen mask to laboring moms helps mother deliver oxygen to baby. The oxygen mask might be given if baby’s heart rate is dropping due to fetal distress during labor. This can be scary but the good news is that giving oxygen is common and has no adverse effects.
Pitocin
Pitocin is a synthetic version a natural hormone called Oxytocin. It’s a stimulant commonly given to induce or strengthen contractions. It may be given after an epidural because the epidural has slowed labor. It may also be given after birth to ensure mother does not hemorrhage to help the uterus contract back to its non-laboring state. Pitocin is generally considered safe,, potentially causing unnecessary problems during labor and early breastfeeding.
Common side effects of Pitocin may include nausea, stomach pain and runny nose or sinus pain. Rare side effects may include confusion, slurred speech and headache. The doctor must be notified immediately if any of these are present.
When Pitocin is administered, Labor & Delivery nurses watch to be sure that contractions are not occurring too severely or too frequently. These types of contractions can cause uterine rupture, meaning that the uterus tears creating a danger to both mother and baby. There is typically a 1:1 nurse to mom ratio when Pitocin is administered. This ensures the laboring mom and baby are safe and monitored correctly.
Giving Birth During Covid19: Protocols and Possible Interventions – Pain Management
Percocet is the most common medication given to help mothers with pain management after delivery. It is an opioid. Most opioids are not advised for nursing newborns, so when possible, sticking to NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) for pain relief is preferred.
For a cesarean or difficult vaginal birth, Percocet is appropriate to help with the high level of pain.
If the goal is to nurse right away, the best thing to do is to nurse before Percocet is administered. If it’s decided that nursing on demand is okay on Percocet, the main thing to do is to watch baby for marked drowsiness. For a full term, healthy baby there will be side effects like sleepiness, but no lasting effects.
You may also choose to pump while Percocet is in your system and save the milk. Baby’s 6 months or older can drink the pumped milk without any danger. Once baby is past the newborn phase, the effects of opioids decrease.
If early formula supplementation is chosen so that opiods don’t travel to baby, it is still extremely possible to still have an exclusive breastfeeding relationship.
Blood Pressure Control and Gestational Hypertension
Preeclampsia, also sometimes called toxemia, is high-blood pressure in pregnant women. It can become very dangerous and even fatal if left untreated. Treatment for preeclampsia is administration of Magnesium Sulphate, also called “Mag.” Mag keeps Preeclampsia from advancing to Eclampsia, which manifests as seizures. If given magnesium sulphate it’s perfectly normal if birthing moms feel too sick to nurse right away.
Hypertension meds like Procardia or Labetalol are beta-blockers that may be prescribed to keep blood pressure down. These do not affect nursing of healthy full-term newborns.
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This blog was written under the direction of present and former Let Mommy Sleep Labor & Delivery and NICU Registered Nurses. As always though, the primary care physician and L&D staff are the authority on care.
