Restrictions for birthing partners in Covid19

[Isabelle1143]

What are everyone’s experiences with restrictions on birthing partners in hospital? I’m due to have my 3rd baby by section in under 3 weeks and I’m absolutely petrified that my husband won’t be able to be there or help me afterwards. My hospital aren’t allowing any partners on to the post natal wards and only allowed to stay for a little bit after surgery/birth.

I had a baby in May and my DH was allowed to stay as long as we wanted afterwards but I was in a birth centre. If I had been transferred to the postnatal clinic he would have had to leave. The restrictions should be on the trust website.

@Isabelle1143

What are everyone’s experiences with restrictions on birthing partners in hospital? I’m due to have my 3rd baby by section in under 3 weeks and I’m absolutely petrified that my husband won’t be able to be there or help me afterwards. My hospital aren’t allowing any partners on to the post natal wards and only allowed to stay for a little bit after surgery/birth.

Hey. I really feel for you and so angry that some hospitals are STILL putting these restrictions in place with so few hospitalisations. I had a baby in May by elective C section and I was VERY lucky. My hospital were wonderful,even though my partner only stayed an hour after the birth,the midwives were brilliant - they came to check me every 30 mins (I think they have to) and helped with anything I needed. The hardest part was holding the baby in bed whilst I couldn't feel my legs - it took a few hours for the anaesthetic to wear off but after could move,it was a lot easier. The baby slept most of the day and night and I went home the next day at 4pm. What I will say it search out tips for being discharged as early as possible and stick to them -, get your catheter out asap and get weeing so they can see your bladder is working,get moving as soon as you can,have a shower,get breastfeeding support if you are doing it and the next day,start asking to be discharged that day. There's a great C section support FB group that will help you with tips like these and to voice your worries and pretty much everyone has had a positive experience,even back in April at the height of the pandemic.

Good luck and try not to worry. Honestly my experience of the c section and aftercare was so wonderful,I would do it again if I could,but this one is my final baby,so I won't!

Thank you both for your replies, it sounds like all trusts are different in regards to rules. I’m going to do a bit of reading around to get a feel for how it is! X