A mom writes in asking for advice about giving birth during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This mom is set to be induced in just a few days, and she is “freaking out.” Will she need to wear a mask the entire time? What are the rules about having others in the delivery room? What precautions are being taken by the hospital? What precautions should this mom take? She is looking for advice for anyone who has given birth during this strange time and would love to hear what their experiences have been.
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A member of the community asks:
“What is it like giving birth during COVID?”
“I am set up to be induced in a few days. What is it like giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic? Do I have to wear a mask the whole time? How many people are allowed in the room? Thanks, mamas, I am freaking out.“
– Mamas Uncut Community Member
Community Advice for This Mom Who Is Freaked Out About Giving Birth During the COVID-19 Pandemic
To see what advice the Mamas Uncut Facebook community has for this mom in need, read the comments of the post embedded below.
Advice Summary
The community offered this mom in need a lot of great advice. Read some of their responses below.
“Idk if it’s changed since May or if your hospital is different, but masks in the hall not in your room, one support person who can’t leave, no visitors.”
“I had my baby 4 months ago and it was one support, and once my husband went outside to smoke he couldn’t come back in; he had to give anything for me to security.”
“I just gave birth last week. It’s probably different depending where you are, but my midwife let me take my mask off while I was in the later part of labor and while I was pushing. I was only allowed my husband. The hospital gave him a special wristband so he could come and go as he pleased. Outside of delivery, I had to wear a mask every time a nurse or someone came into my room. But like I said it might be different depending where you live. I would check with your OB/GYN. They might be able to give you the details.”
“I went in for an ultrasound and they induced me early. I ended up having an emergency c-section due to finding out I had pre-eclampsia. I was 36 weeks and 4 days, July 8th. They allowed one support person, they could come and go but it would only be them. They tested me, when the results came back negative they allowed me to not wear my mask. The baby went to NICU and we were only allowed to see him 4 hours a day.”
“Only 1 person was allowed in my room at a time. We decided that my mom was best for actual labor and delivery, then my hub came after I was cleaned up in recovery and stayed until we were discharged. (We have other children, this is what was best for ME!) I wore my mask in hallways, but once in my room, I didn’t wear it. They did test me for COVID tho, came back negative.”
“I’m due in February, and they said I have to wear a mask during labor and delivery. But I’m only wearing it when someone is in the room. And I can have one support person. No visitors. But we are looking forward to the no visitors and just us because it will be our bonding moments.”
“In Michigan and had my little one almost 6 weeks ago. They tested me for COVID and once that came back negative my husband nor I had to wear a mask in the room anymore. My husband was allowed to leave the room for food but he really had no other reason to leave. He was the only one allowed with me. All the nurses and doctors wore masks. If you like a lot of company, it would be lonely. I would have loved for my mom to be there too but aside from that everything was wonderful and it was a nice personal moment with my husband. Good luck, mama!”
“Just call your hospital and find out. You can get all the answers under the sun on here, but each hospital has its own policies in place.”
“I gave birth Monday at Johnson city medical center in Johnson City, TN, and as far as COVID restrictions go… I never would’ve been able to tell. Yes, they check your temp when you walk in the door. They required masks when walking outside of your room and only one guest allowed at a time but my husband was allowed to come and go (provided he was okay with the whole temp taking/mask in the halls thing)…
… Visiting hours ended at 8 pm and started at 8 am for guests. My husband was still allowed in the OR (C-section). It was pretty much the same as my two other C-sections 5 & 7 years earlier. I did realize after we got home that having my baby sent to the nursery wasn’t even an option (no big deal for me, I don’t send them anyway). Like they never once asked if I wanted her taken there for a couple of hours or anything. I don’t know if that’s a COVID thing or just the way that hospital does things.”
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