​​Introduction of the water method for preservation of the deceased fetus

Introduction of the water method for preservation of the deceased fetus

2/27/2019

Measurable Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to...

Know what the watermethod is and how to use it.
Know how to keep a (young) stillborn baby in the best possible condition to help the parents say their farewells.

"Thanks to Janet Molewijk for her help and support to the watermethod".

Ilona Tiemens-van Putten, MsC, MD
Doctor Ilona Tiemens-van Putten will introduce the watermethod. It is a method to keep a deceased baby beautiful till the cremation or burial. In the Netherlands this method had become the new standard method used after a birth of a young fetus. She will speak about her own experience and invention of this watermethod.

Dr. Aishat Olanlege

2/28/2019 12:19:30 am

Great insight! i find that here in Nigeria, we use polythene bags and the parents carry away the fetus in polythene. I will incorporate this method in my practise. Thank you.

Ilona Tiemens-van Putten link

2/28/2019 04:18:37 am

Thank you for your comment Dr Aishat Olanlege. I would like to hear your experiences in Nigeria once you've tried it. I can imagine that the high temperatures in Nigeria might make it a bit more complex. But with some icecubes you can do a lot.
Thank you again for watching my presentation and I wish you good luck in you practice.

Euphemia Hinds-Kerr

2/28/2019 05:04:02 am

In our coyntry Trinidad and Tobago it is illegal to have a foetus at home. We encourage mothers to bond with the foetus and take pictures. The kaws will have to be changed and policies made to have the foetus stored in water. Its a good idea. How long are you allowed to keep the foetus though?

Ilona Tiemens-van Putten link

2/28/2019 01:13:09 pm

In Holland the law differs between babies born before and after 24 weeks gestational age. Before 24 weeks there are no restrictions. You can even bury the child in your garden, if you like to. After 24 weeks the regulations are thesame as for adults. Then you can only bury your baby at a graveyard. That has to be done within 6 (working) days.

Kathy Ho

2/28/2019 11:33:32 am

Up to how long can the foetus the stay in water before significant decay?

Ilona Tiemens-van Putten link

2/28/2019 01:17:43 pm

It can stay in (cold) water until about 7 days after birth. But it differs per baby and the state of maceration. It differs between approximately 5 till 10 days.
When you add preservatives to the water, like alcohol, you can keep it beatifull for a longer period of time, but we don't advise that. That is because of the possible negative effects on the baby (with the wrong fluid you can 'dry out' the fetus) and because in general 7 days is enough for the parents to say their farewells and make beautiful pictures.
You can find more answers on http://www.watermethode.nl/Professionals/faq/?lang=en

Marti Perhach

2/28/2019 08:59:33 pm

Thank you for the fascinating presentation and your work to make the moments parents have with their deceased baby more special. Very much appreciate you sharing this information for our symposium!

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