Chapter 5: Preventing infection
If you do need to use chemicals:
• mix up the bleach solution on page 57.
o r If you do not have bleach, use one of the following chemicals:
• ethanol (medical alcohol) 70%
• isopropyl alcohol 70%
• hydrogen peroxide 6%
o r If you cannot get any of these chemicals, you can use:
• strong drinking alcohol like gin, or a strong local brew.
Be sure that all of your tools are very clean before sterilizing them with chemicals.
Even a little blood or body fluid left on the tool can stop the chemicals from
working. Do not use chemicals to sterilize tools that will go inside the womb.
Soak in bleach or disinfecting chemicals for at least 20 minutes.
or
Soak in strong drinking alcohol for a whole day.
After soaking, pour the chemicals off and let the tools dry.
WARNING! Glutaraldehydes and formaldehyde are chemicals
that we think are too dangerous to ever use. Many clinics and
hospitals use these to sterilize, but they are very toxic.
Formaldehyde, for example, causes cancer. Try to find a
different way to sterilize.
If you use chemicals, keep them off your skin, and wear gloves when you use
them. Get rid of chemicals carefully. You may have to dump bleach or other
chemicals into a latrine to be sure animals and children do not drink it.
Storing tools and supplies
At some births there will be plenty of time to sterilize
your tools and equipment at the mother’s house. But at
other births, you may not have time. For this reason, try
to sterilize your tools and equipment at home and keep
them in a sterilized container in your kit. A metal
box or pot with a tight-fitting lid is best.
Use any of the above methods to sterilize a
container and tools to move equipment.
Do not touch the inside of the container.
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A Book for Midwives (2010)