Labour in lockdown

[Mullroii]

Hi everyone

I’m a ftm and due to give birth soon I just wondered what people did in loan out during lockdown were you allowed birth partners/ parents with you. I can’t seem to find exact answers online but have been told different things one person said she had to go alone another said her hubby was allowed in but neither could leave the room (seeing people walk around on one born every minute looks strange now) and just wondered what everyone else’s experience was.

Specifically I’ll be giving birth at LGI )Leeds I say this because I know other hospitals can be different

Any help would be fab because I’m scared about labour anyway and having to do it alone I feel like I wouldn’t be able to do it

Thanks :)

Best person to ask is your mw

I had a very long and pretty grim labour but my husband was allowed in from the start. He was also allowed to leave the room to get snacks from the vending machines etc (I was in no fit state to leave), the only thing they requested was that he wore a mask when any midwives were present in the room :) xx

My husband wasn't allowed in until I was in active labour (5cm dilated). I am first time mom and found the whole birth experience very grim. My husband was asked to leave after I had the baby. I suffererd postnatal depression due to not having my partner with me before the birth and after.

My baby was born 9th December 2020 before the announcement was made of having atleast 1 person to come to antenatal appointment. I had to go to scans, follows ups alone. I had a scare of miscarriage and was in hospital for 24 hours without a visitor or partner :(.

The rules have changed your partner is allowed to be with you in pretty sure. You will be fine. The midwives are going the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable.

Like you say it’s different at each hospital. I googled your hospital and found this-

www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/leeds-maternity-care/

Keep scrolling down, all the info is there, for example (copied and pasted):

In labour, when you are ready to come to hospital, please call in advance. The midwife will ask you about your labour and some additional questions about your wellbeing and that of your family.

We will do everything we can to respect your birth choices.

We have to limit you to one birth partner who is free from Coronavirus symptoms and has not had a positive Coronavirus test result in the last 10 days.

Your birth partner will stay with you throughout your labour and delivery unless on the rare occasion you need to have a general anaesthetic.

To ensure the safety of all our pregnant women, birth partners and staff it is important your birth partner wears a face covering and remains in your delivery room throughout your stay.

My husband was allowed in once I got transferred to a room on labour ward. I got admitted before being in established labour due to waters breaking but I wasn't contracting /dialating as we got towards the 24 hour mark after waters had broken. I spent about 8 hours in another ward so they could monitor me and baby and then got moved to labour ward and husband could join us then.

He was allowed to leave the room to get water and snacks etc. I had an epidural so couldn't walk about anyway once that had kicked in. He had to wear a mask the whole time but I didn't have to at all.

I'd definitely contact your hospital and ask what their rules currently are. Sometimes just knowing so you can mentally prepare helps