There is considerable variation in the attitudes and practices of community midwives with regards to the COVID 19 pandemic and care practices. Due to this variation, I believe that all clients should educate themselves on the policy of the provider or group they are working with in order to avoid the unfortunate situation of miscommunication and even worse-feeling betrayed. I aim to provide care that is evidence-based, meaning that the recommendations and practices have a foundation of research-supported data which explain and inform my choices and recommended care. This pandemic situation is no different. The main sources of information I used to guide this policy are UpToDate, PubMed, and Your Local Epidemiologist.
Introduction:
Covid 19 pandemic is far from over. It is a serious illness that has taken many lives worldwide. It is spread through the air as in from talking, singing, shouting or coughing/ sneezing. Here are some general points to consider:
- This policy is changeable without notice depending on updates to research and/or status of society
- My Practice doesn’t hold a mandatory vaccination policy, however I will request your vaccination status at the beginning of care.
- Due to my work and the inherent exposure in it, I have this policy in place for the safety of myself, my family, my clients and their families.
- Being sick with COVID while pregnant increases chance of severe illness(1), therefore the most common recommendation is for pregnant people and their eligible family members to be vaccinated
- Either midwife or client may request virtual visits anytime during provision of care
- Not complying with this policy is grounds for termination of care without refund
- I am fully vaccinated
Policy:
- Masks are to be worn at all times while indoors during visits
- Limit bringing children to prenatal/postpartum visits, making special efforts to keep them outside during the majority of the visit
- Report any symptoms of sickness to midwife, ASAP, even if you don’t think it’s COVID
- If traveling by plane or engaging in other notably high exposure activities (concerts, etc), consider taking a Covid test 5-7 days after the event
- Prepare any support people attending your birth that masks are required during the birth and any indoor visits they may attend (at this time masks are not required of birthing people during their birth)
- If signs/symptoms of illness are present during labor, care is transferred to a hospital setting regardless of test results