Remember:
Get rid of wastes safely
If you take a sterile syringe
out of boiling water . . .
and put it in
your pocket . . .
it is not sterile anymore.
Instead, it is dangerous!
Get rid of wastes safely
There are three different kinds of waste after a birth or procedure:
body wastes
sharp wastes
other wastes
like blood,
stool, or placenta
like needles for
sewing or syringes
like used
plastic gloves
These wastes carry germs and can spread infections to you and to people in the
family and community. Wear gloves when you touch wastes, and get rid of them
carefully.
Body wastes
The simplest way to dispose of body wastes is to put them in a latrine or to
bury them deep in the ground.
In many communities, families bury the placenta, sometimes with other special
objects. Burying the placenta is an important ritual for many people, and is also a
way to protect the community from germs that may grow in the placenta.
Sharp wastes
Sharp wastes must be put into a container so they will not
injure anyone who finds them. A container made of metal or
heavy plastic, with a lid or tape to close it, works well.
When the container is half full, add bleach if possible, then
seal it closed and bury it deep in the ground (see page 68).
A Book for Midwives (2010)
67