During the COVID-19 crisis, there has been lots of information about how to protect yourself and stay well (see our previous post). Social distancing and pressure on health systems will have had an effect on your journey already. Hospital-based antenatal classes are not an option and tours of the birth suite have been cancelled. Restrictions are in place controlling the number of support people you can have with you at your birth and visitors after your baby is born. So let’s talk about COVID-19 and your birth plan?

Options for antenatal education

As the world takes advantage of digital technology, now is a great time to explore some online options. Websites such as this provide excellent and evidence-based information for expecting parents about the physical journey (these are not restricted to mums-to-be…dads also find them really useful). Health and hospital services also publish COVID-19 related news and changes to their available services. Online antenatal classes are available and worth having a look at (while the team here develop some too).

COVID-19, your birth plan and support people

If you have been thinking about who you would like to support you during your birth, you might need to think again. Many health services are limiting the number of people allowed in the room with you when your baby is born. This may include tag teams and support shifts. If you are booked to birth over the coming few months, please contact your provider to find out the measures in place to protect your and your family during your stay.
While you may need to keep your physical support to one person, you might consider using programs such as Skype, Facetime or Messenger to include those who can’t be in the room.

There are some real advantages to this method of inclusion:

• You can point the camera away from any action you don’t want them to see…
• Reduced crowding in the room, increasing safety
• This who don’t get along can avoid each other
• Everyone you want to be there can be, without (the sometimes) uncomfortable family politics

Want more information?

Here’s some extra resources for you, with one especially for dads!

• Mr Dad
• Birth Beat
• Women’s Health Queensland