Likely to ban birth partners?

[ikphillips]

I'm nearly 36 weeks. I don't want to freak anyone out, but wondered what people think are the chances they'll begin to ban birthing partners in the delivery suite? I already know from my MW that they've decided only one birthing partner and no visitors after birth.. but chances of them banning birth partners all together if things get very rough with COVID?? Want to prepare myself... thanks

I've also started to wonder this. I'm
31+3. The only thing I can see if partners are allowed if that they have to scrub up like a doctor would and be showing no symptoms what so ever but who knows. I feel I could do it if I had a 1-1 midwife which I did last time due to babies reduced
Movements. But then how can we be sure anyone doesn't have the very early stage of the virus 🤷🏽‍♀️

Hmmm interesting! I'm less worried about catching it tbh and more worried about the lack of moral support! Agree it would def help if you have a midwife with you 121 but feels highly unlikely in a stretched maternity ward...

Also worried about this..

My husband had been up for over 24 hours whilst I was half way through labour so I asked him to have a little sleep whilst I was in labour as I felt I had it under control hahaha

@Jessie9323 sounds very sensible and thoughtful of you!

I'm worried about this to. I'm 38wks Sunday and c-section at 39wks. Really worried and hope my partner can be there, really not wanting to go through that alone!

I saw a post on Facebook earlier from our local health board saying one partner was allowed for patients in active labour or being admitted for a section. It also said they we're closing 2 of the 3 midwife units and stopping home births, so the options were the labour suite at the hospital or the remaining midwife led unit.

Obvs, that's just what my local set up is, but I hope this reassures you all.

Thanks @TheLovleyChebbyMcGee that's what I was hoping for, but suppose we'd better be prepared for the worst in these unprecedented times...

I very much doubt there's any point in banning a birthing partner if they live with you anyway.

I don't want to worry anyone but where I am in the Czech Republic they have just said no birth partners or doulas. People have started petitions but since the medical care is already known for not 'hand holding' I don't hold much hope. I am only 7+5 so ages away from delivery and I am so scared about giving birth for the first time in a country where I don't speak the language alone. For what it's worth, I can't see that happening in the UK though - I just don't think people would stand for it.

There was a thread about this earlier today www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pregnancy/3854901-26-weeks-pregnant-and-panicking-what-maternity-services-will-be-like-in-the-weeks-to-come

Also very worried about this. I'm 33+4.

Ah this is super helpful @vickielisabeth! Thanks for posting. Totally agree with what the lady in that thread said about stressed out mothers being more at risk. Fingers crossed the rules stay that way

I can't see this happening. Emotionally, no and practically, your birthing partner helps with some of the heavy lifting that the nurses won't be able to do as will be so busy, especially now

Hi OP and ladies,

I’m not a doctor but I have privilege of working very closely with lots of very senior medical professionals!

I just want to repost what I said in the thread mentioned above!

I was literally having a Skype meeting with 2 obs and gyne consultants today (this was purely coincidental) and they said that in their respective Trusts they are NOT BANNING BIRTH PARTNERS!!

Birth partners have been reduced to 1 but, unless your birth partner is showing symptoms, they WILL NOT be banned from your c-sections and births!

Now whilst I appreciate this is now and some mothers, including myself, are a good few months away from delivering, it would have to take something DRASTIC for them to ban birth partners completely!

One of the main causes of birth complications is a stressed out mother! And what’s a sure fire way to stress out a mother? Prevent her from having her birthing partner!

I know these are scary and uncertain times! I know scan guidelines are being changed. Appointments are rearranged and medical staff are stressed and stretched but please please try not to worry!

Listen to RCOC and the college of midwives! Your birthing partners aren’t going anywhere yet!!

xx

I asked my midwife this this week and she reiterated what @mrsrose2018 said - they are NOT banning partners. Just dropping it down to one each and insisting on high levels of hygiene.

Midwives won’t be shipped out to help out in a&e or any other ward, they’re specialists in their areas so please try not to worry

Iv been stressing about this all week, asked midwife directly and they won’t rule it out but said it would be very very cruel/unprecedented if they did. 2 weeks 4 days to wait for c section here, a very nervous wait!!

I had my midwife appointment on Thursday and she said one birth partner only but said that they will not be allowed if they show any symptoms (ie. Cough or temperature). My husband is my birth partner and I'm now terrified he's going to get a cold because I can't give birth without him, I know I can't. I'm not worried about CV as much as that. He's not unwell currently so fingers crossed he doesn't come down with anything 🤞

Thanks to reassuring words on here. I have exactly the same worries. I cant sleep or eat right now.

I guess the best way is to prepare mentally to that idea of not having partner for birth. I was preparing anyway to that just in case husband needs to look after kids in the middle of the night until can bring them to someone.

I believe that preparing for the worse and hoping for best is what can work well this days. It will be great to have him with me as he's always been for our other 3 kids, but we can enjoy time with baby afterwards if that's what will be decided at being the best in this situation.

Sounds like the message right now is that birth partners will be allowed in, unless showing symptoms. I suppose if things get really bad this might change, but going to try not to stress, and keep hubby free of the virus until the bab arrives! Thanks for the reassurance from those who have the inside track from colleagues or their own MW 👍

My local trust has now said partners for labour only. Not on the postnatal ward if you have to stay in.

My midwife today said in our trust at the moment if a woman thinks she is in labour she must attend alone then only if labour is confirmed, 1 birthing partner can attend as long as they are symptom free x

They're only allowing them during labour here and not on the ward at all. Due in 4 weeks and seriously considering discharging myself rather than staying on a ward full of germs.

I e been for my pre op today. Section on Monday. My hospital said partner can drop me off then when it's time for me to go down to theatre they will ring him and he will be allowed to go down with me, spend an hour with me and baby in recovery then when it's time for me to go back to the ward he as to leave. Won't be able to return again till next day when I'm ready to go home!