Birth and Covid

[CorpusCallosum]

I'm due in March and not sure what happens if either me or my husband (birth partner) were to have Covid when I went into labour.

Obviously if I had Covid they'd still care for me with restrictions/precautions in place.

But, what about birth partner? Are they still allowed to attend if they have it? I literally don't know how I'd cope without him there. This is DC 2 and first was traumatic, I needed him throughout and to debrief (over and over again) afterwards. Second choice is my mum but TBH as much as I love her I might prefer to be alone so this is causing me some anxiety.

NB: I know I'll need to find out what the policy is at my hospital but I'd like to know others experiences to prepare myself for that conversation with the midwife.

No, someone with covid cannot come into accompany their partner in labour as they have to isolate at home. It is a good idea to try and isolate for a couple of weeks before the due date as much as possible and/or have a plan B of an alternative birth partner. I know it is difficult, but your needs don't trump the safety of others unfortunately. It sucks!

No, they won't be able to be there. It's simply not fair on all the other women and newborns

So use the time between now and March to make and come to terms with your plan B

As above, he wouldn’t be allowed in. But if you can, I would both fully isolate 14 days prior to your due date and be cautious of socialising in the run up as well as obviously baby may come early. It’s a tough situation, I’d have been utterly heartbroken to not have my husband with me. Funnily enough, I recon he might have had covid when I had DD2. It was Feb 2020 & he had a hacking cough & felt awful, had a fever a day or so previously. But there were no real rules at that point & it was all very confusing. the midwives said it was fine, there were lots of coughing mums & dads at the mo 🙈

I hope it all goes to plan OP! Make sure you prioritise your well-being & reduce social contacts etc if that’s what it takes! Ignore other peoples opinions!

I thought this would be the case. Our biggest risk is DD attending nursery. ATM I just can't face the thought of keeping her home and doing full time childcare while I'm 38weeks+ instead of having the time and space to do some much needed physical and mental prep for birth. Plus I don't want to disturb her routine only for her to be straight back to nursery once DS arrives - I think that would be really sad for her 😢

Oh I know it's not the most awful thing about Covid and overall we've been lucky throughout but it is certainly quite shit.