NHS policies on birth partners during labour - re: covid

Crumbsinthecarpet · 2020-07-25T20:44:43+00:00

Would be good if anyone in NHS or midwives etc knew about this, or anyone else who might know! I'm due in mid September, and I'm hoping that my husband will be able to come into the hospital with me, I'm just wondering what the likelihood of that is? I know he can come in if I'm in established labour, but as I'm going for a VBAC I think they will ask me to come in earlier than 3cm (correct me if I'm wrong!) So wondering if he will be able to come in with me if I'm not 3cm, for my check on arrival and also if he will be able to stay with me once baby arrives? I know noone had a crystal ball, more if anyone is in the know :) thanks!

Pinecone88 · 25/07/2020 22:39

No expert here, but check your local NHS, hospital or maternity ward's Facebook. They usually update on guidelines and rules 😉

NameChange30 · 25/07/2020 22:47

Yes check your local hospital's website and Facebook page. Mine has been publishing regular updates on Facebook.

The important point to consider is that you do not have to consent to a vaginal examination in order to determine whether you are in active labour and can have your partner with you. There are other signs of being in active labour and if there is any doubt of whether you are they should admit you to the labour ward with your birth partner.

www.birthrights.org.uk/2020/03/12/coronovirus-how-will-it-affect-my-rights-to-maternity-care/

sel2223 · 25/07/2020 23:41

This is changing all the time OP so I don't think anyone can give you a definite answer now.

I have 2 hospitals near to me, one is a modern 'new build' where everyone has their own room so they have been able to lift restrictions sooner. Partners there are allowed to stay the entire time from beginning to end as long as they don't leave the room at all.

The other hospital is excellent but it's a very old building with small wards. At the moment, restrictions remain in place there that no birthing partner can stay or visit when you're on a ward. It's only when you're in a private room during active labour or recovery.

Clift19 · 30/07/2020 22:19

Only personal experience, I'm not a midwife.

I went in to be induced on the 27/6 and DH wasn't allowed in, he was only allowed in once I was loved to labour ward. Stayed for remainder of my labour (1.5 hours), birth and then 5 hours after birth before having to leave when I went into recovery ward. Was not allowed back in. Even had to wait outside when we were discharged.

PixieDust1986 · 01/08/2020 12:42

Hi, I'm in the same situation (attempting VBAC) and actually 3 days past due date now.
My hospital have said I still only go in and stay in once in established labour (I too thought I might have to go in earlier - I don't).
When I go up to be assessed, husband can't come in with me - only if I'm told I'm staying in and in established labour. He's then allowed to stay until a couple of hours after birth and then he has to go home.
This is the case even if i end up having a c section - Dad's not allowed back, even if I'm in for a couple of days.
If its planned c section he is allowed to come straight in with me in the morning and stay with me until after birth, but then same rules apply once baby is here.
They have said that if delivery is straightforward and there no complications, they offer a 6 hour discharge. This means I could be discharged straight from labour ward and if this is the case Dad will likely be able to stay. As soon as I am transferred to another/ maternity ward, then he has to go home.

PixieDust1986 · 01/08/2020 12:50

Hi, I'm in the same situation (attempting VBAC) and actually 3 days past due date now.
My hospital have said I still only go in and stay in once in established labour (I too thought I might have to go in earlier - I don't).
When I go up to be assessed, husband can't come in with me - only if I'm told I'm staying in and in established labour. He's then allowed to stay until a couple of hours after birth and then he has to go home.
This is the case even if i end up having a c section - Dad's not allowed back, even if I'm in for a couple of days.
If its planned c section he is allowed to come straight in with me in the morning and stay with me until after birth, but then same rules apply once baby is here.
They have said that if delivery is straightforward and there no complications, they offer a 6 hour discharge. This means I could be discharged straight from labour ward and if this is the case Dad will likely be able to stay. As soon as I am transferred to another/ maternity ward, then he has to go home.

Kodiak83 · 01/08/2020 23:20

With my attempted Vbac they weren’t interested in admitting me til 4cm. I found I was treated very much the same as someone in their first labour by the triage Midwife’s, no special treatment for Vbac in terms of when they would admit me. I was allowed to labour four days at home before they admitted me. I was surprised by it all give the risks they harp on about.