Re: Coronavirus and Your Doula
3/19/20
Hello Beautiful Mamas,
What a world we live in!
I know we are all in different places with different needs, but I wanted to reach out to you to make sure you have everything you need to support your family during this challenging time. As a doula, it is my passion to educate and support parents throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't continue that support when people need it most! Everyday new policies are put in place, rules are changed, businesses shut down, people are laid off, and so many doors are closing... but I am here to tell you that my door is always open.
If you or your family are in need of any supplies or resources, please never hesitate to ask.
Things that come to mind are:
For the many families who are just beginning, and birth is on the horizon, I am still looking forward to serving you!
However, I am so sad to say that some of our wonderful hospitals and clinics are limiting birth support to only one person per patient due to the spreading coronavirus.
While the World Health Organization has declared that doulas ARE essential (See Attachments), our state has called for extreme measures to ensure the safety of birthing persons, and will be enforcing limited support.
I ask that you continue to take charge of your birth and start asking questions and making plans now. Call your provider, inform them that you have a contracted doula for birth support, and that you are requesting a physician’s note to ensure my access to your labor and/or operating room. You have a right to continuous birth support for the informational, emotional, and physical trials of labor.
I will continue to do my due diligence as well. I have been calling hospitals and birth centers all morning. Below are the limitations found so far, though they are changing daily, even hourly in some situations. We can continue to do in-person prenatal visits, but if you prefer, I am also open to Skype and FaceTime for virtual visits. As for labor support, I can labor at home with you as long as possible, I can go to the hospital with you to attempt entry, but hospital policy will have authority.
In the event that I am denied access, you will be offered additional postpartum support at home in 2-3 hour increments.
Current Limitations (changing daily and hourly):
Know that this is new territory for us all, and I write this with a very heavy heart. If you have any questions regarding this, or any other birth related topic, please know that I am here for you!
Best to you and your family during quarantine.
Deep love,
Amy the Doula
3/19/20
Hello Beautiful Mamas,
What a world we live in!
I know we are all in different places with different needs, but I wanted to reach out to you to make sure you have everything you need to support your family during this challenging time. As a doula, it is my passion to educate and support parents throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't continue that support when people need it most! Everyday new policies are put in place, rules are changed, businesses shut down, people are laid off, and so many doors are closing... but I am here to tell you that my door is always open.
If you or your family are in need of any supplies or resources, please never hesitate to ask.
Things that come to mind are:
- lactation support (virtual, supplies, or in person when appropriate)
- diapers, wipes, creams, etc...
- pumps, carseats, carriers, etc...
- nutritional support, food items, medicines, etc...
- childcare
- emotional support, groups, therapy, etc...(virtual or in person when appropriate)
For the many families who are just beginning, and birth is on the horizon, I am still looking forward to serving you!
However, I am so sad to say that some of our wonderful hospitals and clinics are limiting birth support to only one person per patient due to the spreading coronavirus.
While the World Health Organization has declared that doulas ARE essential (See Attachments), our state has called for extreme measures to ensure the safety of birthing persons, and will be enforcing limited support.
I ask that you continue to take charge of your birth and start asking questions and making plans now. Call your provider, inform them that you have a contracted doula for birth support, and that you are requesting a physician’s note to ensure my access to your labor and/or operating room. You have a right to continuous birth support for the informational, emotional, and physical trials of labor.
I will continue to do my due diligence as well. I have been calling hospitals and birth centers all morning. Below are the limitations found so far, though they are changing daily, even hourly in some situations. We can continue to do in-person prenatal visits, but if you prefer, I am also open to Skype and FaceTime for virtual visits. As for labor support, I can labor at home with you as long as possible, I can go to the hospital with you to attempt entry, but hospital policy will have authority.
In the event that I am denied access, you will be offered additional postpartum support at home in 2-3 hour increments.
Current Limitations (changing daily and hourly):
- Abbott: 1 support person
- Methodist: 1 support person
- Fairview Riverside/U of MN: 1 support person
- United: 2 support people, no children under 12.
- Regions: no one under 5, 1-3 visitors, doulas currently allowed. Meeting scheduled today.
- St Johns: one essential visitor per stay, no medical/nursing students, doulas are not going to be allowed, staff does not support today’s policy
- Southdale: one support person allowed, no swapping.
- Ridges: certified Doula is allowed with proof of certification, no other limitations.
- Woodwinds: 1 Support person and 1 Doula
- MN Birth Center: Doulas welcome
- Roots: 1 Partner and 1 Doula
- Health Foundations: 1 Partner and 1 Doula
- Willow: 1 Partner and 1 Doula
Know that this is new territory for us all, and I write this with a very heavy heart. If you have any questions regarding this, or any other birth related topic, please know that I am here for you!
Best to you and your family during quarantine.
Deep love,
Amy the Doula
