PARENT ING
Wellness Welcoming a Newborn During the ‘New Normal’ What to know about giving birth during the pandemic By Malia Jacobson While childbirth during COVID-19 means dealing with things like masks, tests and visitor restrictions, it may also offer an unexpected perk or two. Just ask firsttime parents Stephán and Cheyenne Gray of Bothell, who welcomed their daughter, Octavia, this September at Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue. “This is our first birth, so we didn’t have anything to compare it to,” says Cheyenne. “But everyone worked hard to accommodate us and make everything seem as normal as possible.” Hospital policies for safety during COVID-19 continue to flex as recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention evolve, notes Julie Crews, R.N., nurse manager of Overlake’s Mother & Baby Unit. “But especially for a new parent having their first baby during COVID, none of the changes will seem too out of the ordinary.” By early spring 2021, Overlake’s Mother & Baby Unit will feature upsized childbirth and recovery rooms — some nearly 90 percent larger — along with new features for parents and infants in need of special care, including an antepartum unit, additional NICU beds and rooms designed to accommodate newborn twins. Whether expectant parents deliver in Overlake’s existing space or the newly expanded unit, they shouldn’t expect any hitches other than the extra precautionary measures during COVID-19, says Crews. “Overall, people have been happy with their experiences giving birth during the pan-
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demic,” says Crews. “People are surprised by how normal it feels.” Here’s more about what to expect in new parenthood’s new normal. Childbirth, breastfeeding and labor classes are still available Expectant parents with lots of questions, take heart: The pandemic hasn’t halted childbirth education. In fact, it’s now more accessible than ever thanks to online classes they can take from home. “Childbirth classes, newborn care classes and
breastfeeding classes have transitioned to virtual classes,” says Crews. “Even postpartum support groups with other parents are available from the comfort of home. It’s a great resource for our patients, with all the restrictions on gathering with COVID.” (Find Overlake’s childbirth prep, breastfeeding and labor-coping skills classes online; overlakehospital.org.) Your labor at a hospital or birth center will include a COVID-19 test Although recommendations are continually evolving and can vary by location, count on taking a COVID-19 test at your hospital or birth center. The test, a quick nasal swab, isn’t painful or invasive. You may
need to remain masked until the test results are available, which doesn’t take long. “We had our COVID test results within about 40 minutes,” says Cheyenne. You may not need to wear a mask during your entire stay Depending on the results of your COVID-19 test and any rules specific to your area, masks may not be required during labor or recovery. (Ask your provider to be sure.) “Our staff, including me, wears masks through our shifts,” says Crews. “But for patients, there are consistently evolving recommendations around masking. Right now, people who live in the same household do not need to mask when they are recovering. If you do need a mask, we provide one.” Cheyenne was nervous about the idea of laboring, particularly pushing, with a mask on. But after her COVID test came back negative, she was allowed to labor without a mask in her delivery room, she says. “We did discuss it with my OB, Dr. Guillet, beforehand, because that was a concern. But it ended up being fine.” Visitation rules are different before, during and after labor Baby’s birthday bash will have to wait: Visitation during and after labor is strictly limited during COVID-19. That doesn’t mean you’ll labor alone, though. “We currently have limited visitors in our childbirth center in order to really keep the moms and babies safe,” says Crews. “In Labor & Delivery, we allow two support people in addition to a certified doula. In our recovery area, we allow one person who can stay with the
