Women who have given birth recently

[Jrobhatch29]

Hi,
Im 37+1 and extremely anxious about giving birth given the current situation. My main worry is picking up the virus and bringing it home to my two other children and of course how it would effect the newborn. I cant have a home birth due to two difficult labours in the past which both ended in ventouse. Im just curious what others experiences have been, mainly about infection control procedures etc

Thanks xx

No advice I'm afraid but following with interest at 33 weeks pregnant myself.

I wish you all the best in the birth of your baby.

Home births my way are cancelled now anyway (I was due one) . But from what midwives have told me, apparently the wards are the cleanest for us at this stage. They are doing all they can to protect mums and newborns.

My local hospital is only allowing birth partners in for the main giving birth stage, and they must leave straight after. All as long as they aren't showing symptoms obviously. You're also released within six hours of giving birth as long as there are no complications.

Very scary time to be pregnant. I have the same worries as you, that I'll bring the virus home to my younger DC or my elderly extremely vulnerable parents who live with us all.

My neighbour used to be a midwife and suggested staying at home as long as I am possibly able to.

Neighbour used to be a midwife and is now a nurse I meant to say

A family member just had her baby and it was all very well handled with excellent protection for midwives and mums, and no contact with other patients at all. She said while she’s understandably concerned about infection (like anyone who’s been up hospital would be), it was the best it could be in the circumstances, they were UBER careful, and she is a happy new mummy. Try not to worry. x

I gave birth 2 weeks ago. Infection control was excellent and taken seriously. Hospitals are keen for you to be there as short a time as possible and have banned all visitors. Overall, a positive experience. I was very anxious prior to giving birth but if anything, felt like I got a more attentive birth experience than my previous birth.

My OH developed a mild cough, which may or may not be covid. Both myself and my newborn have since caught it, also mildly. I asked for advice regarding newborn and corona, and was told babies are generally only mildly affected, but to look out for signs of breathing distress (skin between ribs sucked in with each breath, flaring nostrils, etc). If anything, my baby has the cough milder than me.

Thank you for that. Its such a worrying time not knowing what to expect. The hospital im going to is private rooms rather than wards which makes me feel a bit better x

@turtletum Im glad whatever you have is mild. Im so worried about bringing it home. X

I've two friends who are surgeons and whilst i'm not saying infection at the hospital is impossible I can assure you it's being taken extremely seriously and a lot cleaner than when I gave birth under normal conditions