Midwives attack doctors over COVID-19 bath ban

Midwives are pushing back on obstetricians' advice that water immersion poses a transmission risk in hospital

This story has been updated: see footnote.

Midwives have launched an extraordinary attack on obstetricians after some hospitals banned showers and bathing in birthing suites to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Last week, RANZCOG recommended health services in COVID-19 hot spots suspend water immersion for all women in labour, among a raft of recommendations to protect staff.

In updated guidance, the college warned showers and baths in birth units pose an “unacceptable risk” as PPE is not effective when wet.