Winnipeg Doula and Birth Photography Covid Updates
Well friends, it’s been a while! I’ve been sitting back for the past few months watching and learning and soaking in everything that the wonders of 2020/2021 have brought us. As Winnipeg covid restrictions are now changing, I thought it was time for an update.
As of July 14, 2021 the current guidelines in Winnipeg Hospitals are as follows:
One essential care partner is allowed in the birth room once you are admitted (Sometimes we are lucky and they can join in triage as well). This is typically the birthing persons partner, but is sometimes their friend, parent or doula. Typically hospitals have been firm that only one essential care partner may be present.
Vaccination status is not a consideration with Essential Care Partner access.
Doulas currently fall under “Visitor Policy” as follows: In circumstances where both the admitted patient and visitor are fully vaccinated (have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with second dose received more than 14 days ago), expanded visitor access to acute care facilities is permitted in Green Zones.
If in a shared room (very few postpartum rooms are shared anymore), both patients and visitor must be fully vaccinated.
Visiting hours are typically from 10am-8pm.
This is good news, and Shared Health has indicated that they are working on further updating the policies to account for Code Orange level we are now in as well. I’m crossing my fingers that over the next couple weeks we will have confirmation that doulas and birth photographers are free to join birthing families full time— as of right now, it looks like they could send us home after visiting hours— which would be upsetting for everyone!
I am pleased to share that I have been fully vaccinated since January of 2021, which means that I should be allowed full visitor access during accepted times.
Our big takeaways:
Fresh48 are now a go in all locations if you are fully vaccinated and in a private room! With in home guests of up to 5 now allowed and hospital visitor restrictions relaxed, we are cleared for these delicious sessions.
Homebirth clients are also cleared for both Doula and Birth Photography.
Birth Centre clients typically fall under the hospital guidelines- with sometimes a little bit more flexibility. Cross your fingers!
Hospital Clients: If you and your partner are fully vaccinated, then I may join you during visitor hours to support your birth— we are expecting that updates will be made soon that we will be able to join clients for the entire labour and birth regardless of time. Please remember that you need to be fully vaccinated plus two weeks at the time or birth for me to be able to join you.
If you have any questions at all, please reach out to me! We are hoping with each passing week we will gain more clarity and increased access to these birth spaces. And as soon as I know more, I will update you all as well!