Birthing partner not allowed to attend appointments

[SB91]

I've just had two appointment letters through stating that birthing partner isn't allowed to attend consultations or my pre-op for the C section in a few weeks time (I'm 32 weeks with twins). As it's my first pregnancy I'm feeling quite anxious. I understand the covid cases are rising but is there a risk that birth partners won't be able to attend the birth? Or what about being able to stay with me after?

It completely depends on the Trust, some are more stringent than others it seems. In my Trust I can have my partner with me from admission to discharge & they are now allowing a second birthing partner in during active labour. All of the partners have to provide proof of a negative lateral flow before being allowed on the ward.

I would keep a close eye on your Trusts website/social media accounts to see if there's any change to their guidance.

As Jack says it really depends on the Trust, I know people who've had 2 birthing partners and fairly relaxed visiting, and people who were allowed their partner in for a very short time.
At present DH has been allowed to all my antenatal appointments (on production of negative lateral flow result) but I'm not taking it for granted that it will continue if the covid situation worsens.
I do think it's rubbish that partners can't stay longer when we all know that wards are understaffed and it might be difficult to get the help you need.

If visiting is restricted hopefully you can get home relatively quickly after your C-section, hope that your babies stay out for a while yet.

Thank you @Arecklessmanor & @JackJack84 - really appreciate your advice. I'll keep an eye out for any updates in the trust and my local area. Fingers crossed it's all okay 🙏

I had a c section with my fourth baby 7 weeks ago and while my partner wasn’t allowed to my consultation or pre op appointments, he was allowed with me from the moment we arrived at hospital on the morning of the section, and was able to stay with me the entire time. He was even allowed to stay overnight next to me on the ward if he wanted to (he couldn’t though as we have dogs). He stayed until nearly 11pm that night and came back around 8am the following morning, again staying with me until we were discharged at 5pm.

@SB91 I meant hope your babies stay put, not stay out!
I am just trying to prepare myself that it may be restricted and see any time with DH there as a bonus.
I wonder if the fact that you're having twins means he may be allowed to stay to help you more, I do hope so.
I will be having a C-section and it would be amazing if my trust were like @Moominmiss but if that's not the case I will just repeat to myself that we'll get home before too long.