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How B.C.’s expectant mothers are dealing with added anxiety of the COVID-19 pandemic (SPH)

Expectant parents in B.C. are worried what impact COVID-19 will have on their births. (Photo credit: CBC News)

Midwife says she has seen 25-50% increase in inquiries about home birthing in recent weeks

Lerato Chondoma hasn’t stopped crying for more than a week. Her C-section delivery at B.C. Women’s Hospital in Vancouver is booked for the last week in April and her list of worries grows by the day.

Here’s what to expect if you’re expecting in B.C. this spring:

  • Screening: People in labour and their support people will be screened at the entrance of all B.C. hospitals for symptoms of the virus and support people may not be admitted if they are symptomatic.
  • Reduced visitation: For maternity in-patients, one support person plus one registered doula will be admitted. No other visitors are allowed into hospitals after delivery.
  • No nitrous oxide: Most hospitals are no longer offering this pain management option during labour.
  • No baths or showers: Some hospitals, including all Interior Health labour wards, are not allowing showers or baths during labour. In other health authority areas, bathtubs will be available at the discretion of hospital management. St Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver is allowing bathtub use.
  • Possible early discharge: The B.C. Centre for Disease Control recommends discharging parents and babies as soon as medically appropriate to reduce the risk of exposure. Interior Health and Island Health authorities have confirmed they are releasing maternity patients as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Click here for the full story on CBC News.

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