Facing More COVID Restrictions
When local hospitals allowed doulas (or really secondary support people) back into the birth space, I thought we were home free! I was not expecting a second wave of restrictions. As of Wednesday August 11, 2021, a California mandate* has required all visitors to hospitals to either be fully vaccinated against COVID, or have a negative test within the last 72 hours. The two hospitals nearest to me, Rancho Springs and Loma Linda in Murrieta, have also reduced the number of support people in labor and delivery back to 1.
What will this mean for you? You will want to be fully prepared on your birthing day. If you are planning on having a hospital birth, do check on all of their restrictions and requirements. In person doula support may no longer be an option for you, but you may still opt for virtual support, or at the very least, prenatal support to help you prepare. Ensure the birthing partner you have chosen is confident in how to best support you. This may mean taking a thorough child birth class, meeting with a doula prenatally, practicing comfort measures and labor positions prior to labor, watching birthing videos online, and being totally open and honest in your communication about what you do and do not want.
If you find yourself disappointed about losing the help of your birth doula, there are several local childbirth classes that can help you and your partner prepare for birth together. Reach out and I’d be happy to give you the information!
Some people have even considered switching their birthing locations and opted for home birth or birth centers. If you would like any information about some options local to us, please reach out.
These are stressful times! Offer yourself some kindness and love. You are not alone and we in the birth community are here for you! Despite all the changes, I hope that you are able to have the birth you are dreaming of!
*https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Order-of-the-State-Public-Health-Officer-Requirements-for-Visitors-in-Acute-Health-Care-and-Long-Term-Care-Settings.aspx
