If DH has a cold, can he still attend the birth?

[BarrelOfMonkeys]

Probably a stupid question, but Google isn't helping on this one... DH has just said he feels like he's coming down with something, and asked whether I think the hospital would still let him be at the birth with a cold.

AFAIK, you're not supposed to visit anyone in hospital if you have a cold/sniffles but do they view birth partners differently? Or should I start force-feeding him Lemsip now?! (1st pregnancy so I am not feeling too great about the idea of birthing on my tod!)

Get a mask on him and be done with it. As if he'd miss the birth of his child because of a cold!!

Unless it's something other than a common cold it will be fine. Chances are at least one of the hcps/other labouring mothers/birth partners/visiting children will be carrying or have a cold. This time of year it's impossible to avoid it. I was a birth partner when I had a cold, washed my hands regulary, took care not to sneeze outside of a handkerchief etc. The adrenalin meant that the cold effectively stopped for the duration anyway.

Yes he can attend the birth....tell him that he cant get out of it that easily!

I would advise him to be strict with handwashing before holding baby and obviously try not to cough and sneeze over the baby!

If I were you Id be worried about catching it myself

Yes he can. DH positively had the plague when I had DS. He said a few times that he didn't know which one of us was feeling worse [hollow laugh emoticon].

Phew!! Thanks all, much relief this end. And if he can kindly keep his germs to himself that would be much appreciated.

Funny aren't they dhs? Mine stubbed his toe when I was in labour and said I 'wouldn't believe how much it hurt'. I was less than amused.

snowofhands He's already been briefed on back-rubbing duties and expressed concern at how tired he'll be if he's rubbing my back and the labour goes on for 12+ hours. How tired he'll be at that point? Gawd luv DHs...

12 hours is a walk in the park tell him. 26hrs in as I was being prepped for theatre, poor, yawning dh was eyeing up the anaesthetist's wares.

Actually I jest but it must be very strange for them not going through it but being there nonetheless. Shouldn't complain during the event though, not wise.

Ahem... he'll be sooooooooooooo tired after 12 hours???.............
[there is no emoticon for my current facial expression]