Childbirth During COVID-19

Enloe Medical Center has always followed strict guidelines to keep the hospital clean and safe, even before COVID-19.

Now, we are also screening all patients and visitors for respiratory illness (cough, fever, shortness of breath). We are asking everyone to wear a mask, and we’re providing masks to those who don’t have their own.

Our caregivers use personal protective equipment, and we have implemented:

• A temporary visitation policy based on recommendations from regulatory agencies
• Procedures that prevent patients with COVID-19 from coming in contact with others

When you arrive at the hospital, caregivers will take your temperature and ask you a few questions. They will also give you a mask if you don’t have one. Masks are required for all patients, visitors and caregivers. You’ll also notice that caregivers wear personal protective equipment for added safety.

Once you have completed the screening process on the first floor, you will be directed to the Mother & Baby Care Center on the fourth floor.

You can have two support people with you while you’re in the Labor & Delivery department, but only one when you and your baby are in Couplet Care. You may have two visitors in Couplet Care, but they can only be there one at a time.

Please note that these individuals will need to be healthy to enter the hospital and must wear a mask.

All patients and visitors must wear a mask during their time in the hospital.

Enloe continues to offer support services for moms, before and after pregnancy. Some are provided online, others in person (in small groups to allow for social distancing).

Your care team will share resources, including:

• Lactation support
• Postpartum classes
• Referrals for pump rentals

If this happens, your care team will take precautions before, during and after your delivery. Your provider will be notified and will discuss care during your pregnancy. If your due date is approaching, your provider will go over a plan for your admission into the hospital.

You should also watch for symptoms such as:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• A new loss of taste or smell
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

Let your care team know if you experience these symptoms. Seek care right away if you have difficulty breathing.

We’re still learning about COVID-19. Based on what we know now, pregnant women might be at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to others.

Additionally, women who have COVID-19 may have an increased risk of unwanted pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth.

COVID-19 is a new virus. But data suggests it is not passed from mothers to babies during pregnancy or delivery. COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets. Most pregnant women with COVID-19 give birth to healthy babies.

During labor:

• You’ll have a dedicated nurse.
• Fewer caregivers will go into your room.
• Some communication will be done over the phone instead of in person.
• You will be asked to wear a mask.
• Your care team will wear face masks, gowns, gloves and other personal protective equipment.

Having COVID-19 does not affect how you deliver your baby (vaginally or through a cesarean section), or your choice of pain control.

Once your baby is born, you will remain together as long as neither of you need extra care. Your baby will be placed in an incubator for a newborn called an isolette to create a physical barrier for added protection.

You will be asked to:

• Sanitize your hands before feeding or touching your baby.
• Wear a mask while you hold your baby or express breast milk.

There is no sign that you can. The American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization and American Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine encourage breastfeeding even if moms have COVID-19. Antibodies against COVID-19 have been found in breast milk, according to the CDC.

If you have COVID-19 and breastfeed your baby, you will need to:

• Wash your hands before breastfeeding or pumping.
• Wear a mask during these sessions.

When pumping, you should:

• Use the breast pump provided.
• Wash your hands before you express milk or touch any of the pump or bottle parts.

If possible, have someone who is healthy feed your baby.

If you have any other questions, please contact us.