Expectant parents will need to brace themselves for a very different experience welcoming their newborn baby in times of coronavirus.
Home births may need to be cancelled, C-sections may be rearranged, and parents have been warned that the usual routine of introducing babies to their grandparents, relatives, and friends should not go ahead.
Not in the traditional sense, anyway.
Parents welcoming new children are urged to use video chats to introduce their little ones to the rest of the family.
Lesley Gilchrist, a registered midwife and co-founder of My Expert Midwife, tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Government advice can change daily, but currently social distancing is recommended for everyone.
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‘Limiting visitors when your baby has just been born will be tough, but it is essential to help in the national effort to limit the spread of this virus.
‘Take full advantage of technology by using social media, Facetime and video calling to involve family and friends with getting to know your new family member.
‘Remember it’s not long term and it’s to help protect not only your loved ones but the wider general public too.’
Social distancing post-birth isn’t just for the sake of protecting your child, but to protect your relatives – especially elderly family members who will be in the high-risk group – and everyone they could come into contact with.
Plans to have the whole family in the delivery room will need to be adjusted, too.
Some hospitals are requesting that you bring just one person to the hospital with you when going into labour, to limit the foot-traffic in hospitals where many of the vulnerable are housed.
‘Currently it is fine to take your partner or birth partner to hospital when you are in labour,’ Lesley explains. ‘Some hospitals are now requesting that you take just one person with you, so check with your own hospital what their current policy is if you were planning to take two birth partners with you.
‘Be aware that there will be extra precautions in place during this time, but your birth plan should be followed as closely as possible.
‘It is possible that as staff begin to self-isolate due to the virus that fewer doctors and midwives will be available, and this may mean changes in the service provided.
‘It is also possible that certain options, such as homebirth may be unavailable, as midwives cover shortages in the hospital. It could also mean that elective caesarean sections may be moved to different dates if there are staff shortages or other emergencies which need prioritising.’
And of course, once your baby arrives you’ll need to be on a high level of hygiene.
‘Hand hygiene is even more important than usual during this time,’ Lesley advises. ‘The NHS website has information on handwashing. Following this advice carefully will help to keep yourself and your family safe, as well as helping to prevent the spread of coronavirus to others.
‘After you have had your baby remember to wash your hands before and after using the toilet and changing your pads as well as before and after handling your newborn.’
Do you have a story to share or a question you want answered? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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