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Original poster

FYI.. lipbalm during labour

25 replies

KarmaBiatch · 23/08/2013 15:26

just a heads-up, for all of those going in to labour soon do NOT use vaseline or any petroleum jelly based lipbalms. I have been told by my doctor and midwife that it could have an expolsive reaction when used with pure oxygen (I.e. a breathing mask).

wouldn't want any of you to literally blow your own heads off whilst pushing out a toot. Smile Smile

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knittingirl · 23/08/2013 15:33

I would havethought that Surely there would also need to be a spark for it ignite... Also feel that, given that there haven't been reports of people getting their lips burned off, it seems pretty unlikely. I may be wrong!

Original poster
KarmaBiatch · 23/08/2013 15:41

A high oxygen content will cause things to oxidise quickly, therefore setting alight without the need for a spark/flame to be present Smile

OP posts:
Haddock73 · 23/08/2013 15:46

Why has this never been warned to anyone if is such a risk? Genuine concern.

Original poster
KarmaBiatch · 23/08/2013 15:47

Well.. its been warned to me Shock

toddles off to find something on google to back me up

OP posts:
Original poster
KarmaBiatch · 23/08/2013 15:52

www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/o/oxygen-precautions/

point 28

OP posts:
ZadokTheBeast · 23/08/2013 15:57

I'm sorry . . . this is utter, utter bollocks.

EdwiniasRevenge · 23/08/2013 16:03

My df was not allowed to use vaseline and oil based products to keep his lips moist when on oxygen.

Not sure why tho and was in all the leafleta that came with his home oxygen concentrator.

Haddock73 · 23/08/2013 16:21

Why does all the hospital bag lists include Vaseline/ lip balm then??

Original poster
KarmaBiatch · 23/08/2013 16:34

Don't shoot the messenger, just passing on info I have been told. I know that I would rather err on the side of caution, but each to their own Smile

OP posts:
kilmuir · 23/08/2013 16:47

isn't the flashpoint of vaseline about 400 degrees?

kilmuir · 23/08/2013 16:48

would the oxygen not need to be under pressure ?

Gobbolinothewitchscat · 23/08/2013 16:54

I've just been on your induction thread karma - is this the same bonkers doc that wants to induce you telling you this nonsense?

Is it possible to look for another doctor?!

adagio · 23/08/2013 16:54

Well I never. I clicked on this assuming someone helpful was going to remind mothers to be don't forget to take it because your lips get really dry doing all the special breathing techniques. I was going to add that boiled sweets (Rhubarb and Custard were my choice) are handy for post gas and air dry mouth (well I only managed one toke and felt sick but still) and something to concentrate on during stitches.

Nagoo · 23/08/2013 16:57

:o @ toke.

reikizen · 23/08/2013 17:00

I think this is a purely theoretical risk (see above link), and anyway, an oxygen mask is not part of normal labour! (You may be thinking of entonox which is very rarely given via a mask but usually by a mouthpiece). You would only have to use oxygen if you were unwell (e.g. recovering from a GA in which case any vaseline would have been rubbed off long ago!) It's bollocks basically & you are more at risk if you are knocked down by a bus and taken to A&E so relax Smile

Original poster
KarmaBiatch · 23/08/2013 17:02

gobbo yes.. same bonkers doc, who is fab but just a bit too american Wink

OP posts:
Gobbolinothewitchscat · 23/08/2013 17:04

I didn't realise that part of being an American doctor was giving patients wrong and misleading information Hmm

In all seriousness, I would look for another doctor.

Original poster
KarmaBiatch · 23/08/2013 17:06

Was also told the same info at our birthing classes, and by a separate midwife.. I think it's just 'the American way' and not just the opinion held by my doc Smile

OP posts:
Gobbolinothewitchscat · 23/08/2013 17:08

I'd be coming home toute suite to give birth then. That is really quite concerning and would make me wonder what else they were all "confused" about

redastra · 23/08/2013 17:08

In hospitals we dont use vaseline or similar products with oxygen therapy because it can cause skin burns (- It doesn't necessarily cause an all out fire). I cant remember the chemical reaction that occurs, but I have seen it happen on patients when well meaning relatives liberally smear vaseline over dry noses and mouths, the poor patient then looks as if they have a very bad case of frostbite/sunburn and it can take ages to heal

BelleEtLaBaby · 23/08/2013 18:02

I spent over a month on continuous oxygen last year in hospital, and asked DH to bring Vaseline for my lips - but was told not to use it by several nurses. I don't think it combusts but was told the pure O2 can react and cause sores/burns. I think this is only when on oxygen for a long time, like I was. I don't think it's something that happens instantly, iyswim. Could be wrong though. I just used normal face moisturiser around my lips or a little sweet almond oil.

EdwiniasRevenge · 23/08/2013 18:07

And I wouldn't worry about using it in labour as you are unlikely to be on oxygen therapy as long as there are no compications.

TobyLerone · 23/08/2013 19:11

Vaseline is crap anyway. It's not a moisturiser, it's a barrier. It will ease the symptoms of dry lips, but it won't make them any better.

You need proper moisturising lip balm.

Anothermrssmith · 24/08/2013 12:06

I've also been told this, not by any midwife but my mum had surgery a few years ago. I went to see her the day after op she asked me for lipbalm while still on oxygen mask,I was about to put it on for her, nurse saw me and stopped me and gave me something else for her instead. Cant remember what the hell it was now but it is true it can cause burns or worst case scenario go on fire.

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