Case numbers are rising - Covid is making it's way into Queensland while being closely monitored by health professionals. Visitors in hospital have been restricted even in the birth suite partners don't have freedom to come and go as they please. How does this all make new parents feel while they are in hospital with their newborn during the pandemic?
Giving birth on a time limit
Frantically looking at the clock, a new father was waiting for his first born to arrive just before he had to leave the hospital due to Covid regulations. "We had to make sure he was born before a certain time because otherwise my husband couldn't stay with us" said the new mother. The added stress caused by Covid does not help during labour. Luckily their first born son was born on time and both parents let out a sigh of relief that they were together during the first hours after birth. "I wanted to go home after birth as soon as I was discharged but I had to stay another 24 hours because of gestational diabetes. I wish I could go home immediately where I would feel safe and would be away from anyone having Covid". The new mother was not wrong because only two days after she gave birth and one day after her and her newborn went home a midwife from the hospital was diagnosed with Covid.
Feeling safer at home
More and more parents are choosing to go home immediately after giving birth in Hospital. Monique, a pregnant mother due to give birth in January 2022, said "I am in control over who is allowed in my home. When I am on a ward, I do not know who else is on the ward and where they came from. Visitors and staff are constantly rotating, it is impossible to keep track of who has been tested, who has Covid but no symptoms or who has just been in contact with someone who has Covid. When I am at home, I make the decision of who is allowed to be near me and my newborn". Monique has booked Queensland Cradle Care to come into her home for five days after giving birth. "The five days are enough to get me through the first period after our newborn is born. I feel this is a good solution to get help and support to recover after birth and feel safe in my own home".
Being supported at home
When new parents choose to go home earlier they still need to be supported. Support that they are unable to get since they are not confident asking family or friends from interstate or overseas. Open state borders mean increased risk of coming into contact with Covid. These families choose Queensland Cradle Care's customised care to support them at home. Parents receive professional support from experienced carers who will guide them through their first days at home after they have given birth.
Preparing for after giving birth
Good preparation gives parents more control over the first few weeks after birth. Earlier is better and during pregnancy is the ideal time for this planning. A great way to start preparing is to talk to midwives and insurance companies so they can talk through available care options. Even though parents can't always prepare for how or when they give birth, they can prepare for what happens after.
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