Hello Fall! A Winnipeg Birth Covid-19 Update
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”– L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
It’s cliche, but that doesn’t mean it’s not true, right?
Well we’ve done it, we’ve survived the hullaballo of Winnipeg summer, and then back to school, even thanksgiving and we’re almost at Halloween. While many of us are looking a little worse for wear, I think we deserve a pat on the back, don’t you?
With the recent increased restrictions being put into place here in Winnipeg, there’s been a lot of scurrying and a little bit of worry about what that may mean for your upcoming Winnipeg doula birth. While things are changing practically by the minute, here’s what we know right now.
Both Winnipeg birthing hospitals and the Women’s Health Clinic Birthing Centre are still allowing a second support person during your birth and postpartum stay.
***UPDATE***. Unfortunately I need to come here and update that as of mid November, hospitals are closed to only one support person. Furthermore, Winnipeg Doulas are being considered “non-essential” and our businesses have been mandated to close. We are looking with hope towards the future now that numbers are starting to decline! ***END EDIT***
This means your partner or personal support AND your Winnipeg Doula should be welcomed into your place of birth with you. While most areas of the hospital allow only one visitor, doulas have so far continued to be invited in to birthing spaces this fall.
When you get settled in, the hospital staff will have you fill out the two visitors that you would like to name for your stay- make sure your Winnipeg Doula is one of these people!
Yes! Your support person is still allowed to come and go!
Don’t stress about having absolutely every item you need for your birth- your support people will receive wristbands and will be able to leave and re-enter the hospital during your stay, as long as they can continue to answer the screening questions. This means you can leave some extra baby gear or food in your vehicle until after you’re in your postpartum room- as long as it can survive the Winnipeg weather!
Masks are mandatory.
Within public spaces in the hospital you and your support person will be asked to wear your masks. Typically these can be removed once you are in your own private space (ie your labour and delivery room). As your doula + birth photographer I will typically continue wearing my mask even in these spaces to provide the most protection for everyone.
You probably will be alone in triage.
While two support people are being allowed into your labour and delivery room, they typically are not allowed to join you for most of your wait in triage. As you may know- this can be short or very long! Depending on how advanced into labour you are when you show up at triage, and how busy the hospital is, it can take from 45 minutes to several hours to be moved into a labour room. Doing this without your supports can be overwhelming, which is why you will work with your Winnipeg doula to set up comforts and relaxation techniques that you feel confident using by yourself. We can also chat about labouring at home a little bit longer so that your triage stay is shorter, if that interests you!
You may go home sooner than expected.
If everyone is healthy and doing well, you may find that you will be discharged from the hospital earlier than was typical a year ago. We are hearing standard discharge times of approx 24-36 hours after vaginal births and as soon as 48 hours after cesareans. This makes having a Winnipeg doula even more important— the more potential contacts that you have for that uneasy postpartum time, the better! It’s common in those early days to have questions, and your doula is always there for you.
Do you have more questions about what your birth in Winnipeg may look like with a doula this year? Interested in arranging Winnipeg doula or birth photographer support? Shoot me a message today so we can chat!