What do I need to know if I’m having a baby during Covid?
When I found out I was going to be a first-time mommy in mid-2019, I couldn’t have been more excited. We planned for this, and it was really happening! What we never could have planned for was having a baby during Covid and dealing with events would change life as we knew it in the blink of eye.
My beautiful baby boy was due in the spring of 2020, and like any expecting momma, I was looking forward to the baby shower, sharing these special moments with family and friends, those oh so adorable pregnancy and new baby photos, and having everyone welcome my little one to the world. It was disheartening, to say the least, when one thing after another was not turning out even remotely as expected.
Whether you’re having your first little bundle of joy or you are a seasoned momma, there are some things you need to be prepared for before your due date. (As if moms don’t have enough on their plate already.) Find out how these changes may affect you and things you can do to make the best of this situation.
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1. Prenatal appointments have changed when having a baby during Covid
When I became pregnant, my husband was at every prenatal appointment. He got to see our little guy on the screen during the first ultrasound and hear his heartbeat for the very first time. By the middle of our third trimester, he was no longer allowed to be with me.
More than likely you will be going to your appointments alone. You will be asked to wear a mask. You will have your temperature checked and will be asked a series of covid-related questions. Some appointments may even be virtual.
Have your husband (or support person) wait in the car while you attend your appointment. This allows you someone to share any information you received immediately, before baby brain kicks in and you forget everything.
If you’re having an ultrasound, ask the technician if you can video chat with your husband, so you can share the experience together. If that’s not acceptable, see if they will allow you to video the experience so you can share it later.
Please do not let the pandemic keep you from getting your prenatal care.
2. Virtual showers are the newest way to celebrate
My baby shower was scheduled for the week after the world shut down. Zoom calls weren’t a thing yet, and we were not prepared to go virtual.
Until states start allowing large gatherings again, an in-person shower may not be possible.
You could opt to have a small get together, just the nearest and dearest.
Or go virtual. Even if you opt for a few in-person attendees. That allows you to put someone in charge of the tech stuff, and set up a Facebook live or Zoom conference. We’ve been using the virtual platforms for quite a while now, so most people are good to go! Have your tech person get in touch with anyone who may need some help getting set up.
3. Plan for only one support person (if any) when having a baby during Covid
My husband and my mom were supposed to be in the delivery room. I’ll tell you… my mom was none too happy when we found out we were only allowed one person. I was one of the lucky ones though, as some states were allowing no one but the mom-to-be.
Maybe you’re in the same boat. You wanted your husband, your mom, your sister, your grandma. Anyone to give you the most support.
Or maybe you wanted a professional to give you the support you need and were planning on hiring a doula.
Hopefully by now all states have opened the delivery room to allow you at least one support person. Choose this person wisely. You want someone who will keep you calm and help you through those contractions. You also want someone who will advocate for your and knows the details of your birth plan.
If you still feel a doula is the best support for you, you may be able to find someone who is willing offer their services virtually.
4. Bring everything you and your person will need into the hospital
Once we were admitted to the hospital, we were not allowed to leave our room. We couldn’t leave our room to walk the halls, to go the vending machine or the cafeteria. So, we certainly couldn’t go back to our car or our home.
While the restrictions on food may be lifting, walking the halls still might not be an option. And it’s certainly easier to make trips out to your car while you’re in the different stages of labor. Because you don’t need your breastfeeding pillow before you’ve given birth. It’s just not an option right now.
Knowing this going in at least lets you prepare. Bring your hospital bag, your support person’s hospital bag, and the baby’s bag. Bring your car seat as well. You may want to call ahead to see if the hospital has birthing balls or breastfeeding pillows. The less items you have to carry in, the better.
If you still feel you’re carrying enough for a small army, ask at check-in for a cart. They may be able to accommodate you.
Related: 29 Essential Items to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
5. Make arrangements for older siblings/pets
This didn’t affect me personally, as this was my first child. However, realize that if your husband is your support person, he will not be able to run home to check on things.
This may mean that you want a different support person, if your husband is the best option for your family at home.
6. Covid screening/testing
My husband and I both had our temperatures checked and answered covid-related questions. However, we weren’t actually tested for Covid.
Every hospital is different. If you are tested for Covid and found to be positive, your hospital stay will look quite different than what you were expecting. Just know that they are doing the best to protect you and your baby.
7. Prepare to wear a mask during your stay (and delivery)
We were asked to wear our masks during our stay, if doctors or nurses were present. If it was just us and the baby, they didn’t require a mask. Did this mean I was masked during labor and delivery? Yes and yes, although they were more lenient during delivery (as it was harder to catch my breath, even without the mask).
Again, every hospital is different and every doctor/nurse has their preference. If you are having difficulty breathing, please let the staff know, and they will do their best to accommodate you.
8. Bring snacks – No outside deliveries
We weren’t allowed trips to the vending machines or the cafeteria, and we couldn’t have any food delivered.
Even if this isn’t the case when you go to deliver, it’s always nice to have snacks that you know you will like. And don’t forget snacks for your support person. You’re doing all the hard work, but you don’t want them passing out when you need them the most.
9. No visitors when having a baby during Covid
This one hit me hard. This was my first child, and all I wanted was to show him off to the world. There was no waiting room full of people ready to greet him. No photographer was there to capture his first hours. And in my case, the lactation consultants were not considered a priority.
Find a way to share your bundle of joy with your family and friends. Send pictures or do a video chat. Make it as special as you can.
Have your support person taking pictures for you and snap a few yourself. Ask one of the nurses to take a family photo before you leave.
My best advice, if you plan on breastfeeding, is to take a class. If your hospital is offering virtual classes, sign up. If not, there are many online classes available. It will be a huge help! Also, get the number of the lactation consultant the hospital works with. Breastfeeding can be quite the journey, and you will need the support.
Related: Breastfeeding Mistakes and How to Fix Them
This probably isn’t how you expected to welcome your little one, but take your hospital stay to really enjoy your time as a family and get to know this new little person.
10. No walking the halls
In my labor and delivery class, they showed videos of women laboring while walking the halls of the hospital, and I thought oh that’s nice, we’ll do a couple laps and work that baby down. (How naïve I was.)
Don’t expect to be able to spend much time out of your hospital room. Do bring a robe and your own birthing gown, if you want to be more comfortable.
11. Shorter hospital stay when having a baby during Covid
After you deliver, if you and the baby are healthy, you will most likely be asked if you would like to be discharged early.
Hospitals are doing their best to reduce the risk of Covid to other patients. However, if you do not feel well enough to leave or you need more breastfeeding support, don’t feel pressured to leave early. The staff is there to support you.
12. Ask for a cart or assistance when being discharged
Ok, remember all that stuff you had to haul into the hospital for you, your support person, and the baby. Now it’s time to haul it all back out. Oh, and you have another person tagging along. Not to mention, you may have stitches and are unable to carry anything heavier than the baby.
Just as you had one trip to bring it all in, you get one trip out as well. Ask for a cart or assistance, and if you need one, ask for a wheelchair.
13. Coming home
So, you made it through the birth experience and had a baby during Covid! It is entirely up to you what happens next.
Do you want all the people that couldn’t be at the hospital waiting for you at your home? Do you want a few close family and friends there for a little while (people you’re able to tell when you’re ready for a nap)? Or is it going to be just your new little family for a while?
Whichever you choose, plan for it ahead of time, and make your wishes known. You don’t need the extra stress of unexpected visitors as soon as you walk in the door.
It is advised that people wear masks and social distance with your new little one. Talk to the nurses and your pediatrician to make your most well-informed decision.
14. Follow up with your pediatrician and OBGYN
Don’t let the pandemic keep you from getting the care you and your baby need.
Set up the first follow up appointment with your pediatrician before you leave the hospital or shortly after you get home. If you are discharged early, this appointment may be required sooner than if you have a full hospital stay.
Schedule and keep your six-week checkup with your OBGYN. They will need to check any stitches and make sure you are healthy and progressing well.
The Last Thing You Need to Know… This is Still the Most Amazing Thing You Will Ever Do and a Pandemic Can’t Take That Away from You
Having a baby is no easy feat. Add the stress of this pandemic, and moms are proving to be superheroes in everything they’ve been asked to do. Make the decisions that are best for your family, and don’t feel like you have to answer to anyone for those choices. You are the momma, and you got this!
Conclusion
There you have it: 15 things you must know when having a baby during Covid. Did you have a baby during Covid? Do you have any other tips for mommas during this time?
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- How to Set Up the Perfect Nursery
- Everything to do Before the Baby Comes
