The US is quickly trying to adjust to lockdowns and new cases of this virus. Many hospitals are changing their policy every day about who can attend a laboring mom.
If you are one of those moms due in the next month, you are probably a little stressed about what the future holds.
I firmly believe that ignoring the worry makes it all worse. So, let's talk about the options.
1. Some moms are running to have a home birth. That sounds like an easy and great option, but remember that there are drawbacks. The local home birth midwives might all be full or you have medical risks that would prevent you from having a home delivery. First, even at a home birth you need to limit who attends the birth to lower the risk of exposure to the virus. Second, the expense could be out of pocket since most insurances don't cover a home birth. Third, consider that there are no epidurals at a home birth. It is hard to take a sudden mental shift from hospital to home birth and expect it all to go smoothly. Don't make an emotional decision. Take time to research your options. You also might want to consider that they are working to make the hospitals as clean and safe as possible. Lastly, if you are planning an induction or have a serious medical condition, then a home birth is not the safest place for you. If you still want a home birth, reach out to us and we can connect you 859-533-4667. If you want to call your insurance and see if they are covering home birth, ask about "Gap Exception" to cover it during the pandemic.
2. Get educated. You will want to review the latest research about the coronavirus and pregnant women. Evidence based Birth is updating the research results daily. Your doctor might not be up to date with all the latest research and not know that even a woman with the virus still gets to have skin to skin and breastfeed. It is suggested that she wear a mask because the research showed that babies, born to women with the coronavirus, did not have the virus.
3. Limit going in for doctor appointments or see if they will do them virtually. Staying at your home can help lessen your chance of getting the virus.
4. Check into the policies in the hospital where you plan to birth. You can see them all here. If you don't like the policy, talk to your doctor, write your representative, or consider changing hospitals.
5. Hire a birth doula. They can help calm you and give guidance during this stressful time. If you are interested, we can help connect you. For March and April we are offering virtual doula services at a $450 discount. We will not physically visit you, but meet via zoom. During labor and birth, we will be your support digitally as well. You will just have your phone on while laboring so that we can talk. Email us at BlissfulBirthingTN@gmail.com. for more information. If you already have a doula, you might talk to her about the virtual support options.
6. Plan to labor at home as long as possible and consider checking out of the hospital early to come home postpartum. Stay home to labor so that your risk of exposure is lower. Women in labor do not need to rush to the hospital, unless you have a medical condition. You also have the right to stay at the hospital as long as your insurance allows or to go home shortly after birth, not even staying 12 hours if you want. Talk this out with your doula or care provider.
7. Keep in mind that you have options. If the hospital policy shifts to not allow anyone in the hospital with you while laboring, you have 2 options. First, they can join you virtually. Second, the CDC says that "emotionally essential people should be allowed with you at the birth." Please consider what is best and the least risk to you and your doula or support person.
8. Prayer helps. Each person is in their own unique situation. You need guidance from a higher power to help you know what is best for you. Take time to pray and meditate every day and He will guide you.
2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.