Preparing for a hospital birth during Covid-19?

Even with the growing demand for home births, hospital births are still happening around the country daily, during this time. It’s important to know the hospital policy before you get admitted. These policies are vastly different and constantly changing from institution to institution and state to state.

Here are some things to consider before giving birth:

1. Calling ahead and asking about the policy at the hospital you plan to give birth

2. Asking the hospital or primary care provider about the process upon arrival for birth

3. Do a Labor and Delivery tour (some hospitals and birth centers have virtual tours available)

4. Consider adding some extra items to your hospital bag (i.e mask, hand sanitizer, and hand soap)

5. Set up a family communication system, in lieu of hospital visits for updates and picture sharing

6. Determine level and method of doula engagement during active labor

Here are some changes in labor and delivery polices in the local DFW area during this time:

• testing of all expecting moms for cover-19 prior to delivery

• restricting support person to 1 person per expectant mom

• restricting visitors

• requiring self-quarantine prior to delivery

• requiring the use of mask

• restricting skin to skin and breastfeeding to covid-19 positive moms

Medical City Healthcare has drafted a full letter to patients on Covid-19 expectations which includes FAQs

Texas Health Resources has a Coronavirus response with common questions during pregnancy and birth