Especially if you’re a first-time-parent, giving birth can be worrying enough without the background noise of a global pandemic. But, as the old adage goes, knowledge is power, and women should feel confident in their healthcare providers at this time.
Laura Erskine, is a parenting expert with online community Babydoc Club. She says that maternity units in the country are revising their COVID-19 responses regularly, so it’s important to call the hospital where you’re registered to learn about their particular social distancing rules.
Laura Erskine of Babydoc Club online community with her partner and baby Poppy (taken when Poppy was two weeks old).
“For example, Mullingar Regional Hospital has recently advised patients that their nominated birthing partner will not be allowed to attend the birth of their baby, or visit thereafter,” she says. “Of course this [type of response]is distressing for parents-to-be and mums recovering from birth. However, it is necessary to protect mothers and babies, as well as staff and other patients within the hospital.”
In correspondence with Irish Country Living, the HSE writes that they are working to find solutions to support parents while maintaining the safety of staff and patients in maternity units.
“An important component of minimising the spread of COVID-19 is social distancing. Within hospitals, this includes decreasing the footfall through units.
“This, inevitably, has led to restrictions for visitors, including across maternity units. The HSE recognises that childbirth, at the best of times, can present emotional challenges, but these decisions have been made to protect the health of patients and staff.
The HSE is aware that this is a difficult time generally for everyone, including patients and midwives
“Early discharge may overcome some of these difficulties. Furthermore, many partners may be in a position to be at home much more than usual.
“The HSE is aware that this is a difficult time generally for everyone, including patients and midwives, and mental health supports and resources are available to support them.”
Meanwhile, some Irish hospitals are attempting to ease patient anxiety through innovative solutions.
Cork University Maternity Hospital recently installed a secure video messaging platform which enables family members to virtually visit babies in the neonatal intensive care unit.
This technology was introduced in partnership with the INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork (UCC).
Babydoc Club are currently running an online campaign with the hashtag #HereToHelp.
It comes in response to the results of their recent survey, which revealed that the impact of social isolation is affecting the mental health of seven in 10 parents with young babies.
Additionally, nine in 10 pregnant mothers are experiencing significant emotional distress considering the potential impact COVID-19 could have on their pregnancy and birth experience.
With the online campaign, they include tips and videos that will give up-to-date information to new and expecting parents.
An infographic showing the results of Babydoc's recent parenting survey, including statistics on new and expectant parents.
“We must be mindful that maternal mental health in pregnancy and new mothers can be fragile,” Laura says.
“The self-isolation required for pregnant and new mums can take its toll when they are at their most vulnerable.
Now more than ever, we need to rally together and remember that even small gestures of help and support will go a long way.”
Mary Brosnan is the director of midwifery at The National Maternity Hospital (Holles Street) in Dublin.
She wants women to feel confident in the safety of Ireland’s maternity wards. She explains that hospitals throughout the country have adapted to the COVID-19 crisis with the goal of giving the best possible care to mothers and babies.
Mary Brosnan, director of midwifery, The National Maternity Hospital.
“Depending on where the woman is in her pregnancy and what her symptoms are; we have protocol in place for any situation,” she says.
“We want to get the message out that you shouldn’t be afraid to come into the hospital and, frankly, our concern right now is that women won’t come in when they should.”
The National Maternity Hospital has been divided into sections: one for mothers who are asymptomatic and another for those have tested positive for COVID-19.
Women in both sections receive the same treatment, with the exception of social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the COVID-19 section.
Mary says the team at Holles Street have developed an extensive range of online information packages for expectant and new mothers and they have a phone system in place for both admission and post-natal check ups.
Things are quieter at the minute, and to be honest, the mothers are getting good rest; undisturbed by other visitors
While visitation regulations are in place, Mary says they give mothers who have had a straightforward birth the option of an early discharge and in extreme cases of complications, they will allow the partner to visit.
“Things are quieter at the minute, and to be honest, the mothers are getting good rest; undisturbed by other visitors,” she says.
“Then, they are getting good telephone support when they go home. It’s more the partners who are missing out [with these restrictions].”
Mary says the outpouring of public support has been heart-warming for all of the staff at The National Maternity Hospital; from the delivery of hot meals to PPE packages from non-essential businesses.
“[This crisis] has actually forced us to do a lot of things we wanted to do but didn’t get to previously, like putting more information online and generally improving practises,” she says.
“Just remember: babies don’t come when they’re called; they can’t be postponed. Women need to know that Ireland’s maternity wards are safe places.”
COVID-19 guidelines from
Babydoc Club and the HSE
1 Pregnant mums are asked to phone ahead before attending appointments or hospital admission.
2 If allowed to attend, nominated birth partners must wear PPE and observe strict hygiene etiquette.
3 If you are pregnant and symptomatic (fever, cough, shortness of breath) or have been in direct contact with an infected person, phone your GP for further instruction.
4 All maternity units have restrictions in place regarding visitation. Phone your hospital to learn their specific regulations.
5 If you are COVID-19 positive and breastfeeding, you should continue breastfeeding if you are well enough.
Especially if you’re a first-time-parent, giving birth can be worrying enough without the background noise of a global pandemic. But, as the old adage goes, knowledge is power, and women should feel confident in their healthcare providers at this time.
Laura Erskine, is a parenting expert with online community Babydoc Club. She says that maternity units in the country are revising their COVID-19 responses regularly, so it’s important to call the hospital where you’re registered to learn about their particular social distancing rules.
Laura Erskine of Babydoc Club online community with her partner and baby Poppy (taken when Poppy was two weeks old).
“For example, Mullingar Regional Hospital has recently advised patients that their nominated birthing partner will not be allowed to attend the birth of their baby, or visit thereafter,” she says. “Of course this [type of response]is distressing for parents-to-be and mums recovering from birth. However, it is necessary to protect mothers and babies, as well as staff and other patients within the hospital.”
In correspondence with Irish Country Living, the HSE writes that they are working to find solutions to support parents while maintaining the safety of staff and patients in maternity units.
“An important component of minimising the spread of COVID-19 is social distancing. Within hospitals, this includes decreasing the footfall through units.
“This, inevitably, has led to restrictions for visitors, including across maternity units. The HSE recognises that childbirth, at the best of times, can present emotional challenges, but these decisions have been made to protect the health of patients and staff.
The HSE is aware that this is a difficult time generally for everyone, including patients and midwives
“Early discharge may overcome some of these difficulties. Furthermore, many partners may be in a position to be at home much more than usual.
“The HSE is aware that this is a difficult time generally for everyone, including patients and midwives, and mental health supports and resources are available to support them.”
Meanwhile, some Irish hospitals are attempting to ease patient anxiety through innovative solutions.
Cork University Maternity Hospital recently installed a secure video messaging platform which enables family members to virtually visit babies in the neonatal intensive care unit.
This technology was introduced in partnership with the INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork (UCC).
Babydoc Club are currently running an online campaign with the hashtag #HereToHelp.
It comes in response to the results of their recent survey, which revealed that the impact of social isolation is affecting the mental health of seven in 10 parents with young babies.
Additionally, nine in 10 pregnant mothers are experiencing significant emotional distress considering the potential impact COVID-19 could have on their pregnancy and birth experience.
With the online campaign, they include tips and videos that will give up-to-date information to new and expecting parents.
An infographic showing the results of Babydoc's recent parenting survey, including statistics on new and expectant parents.
“We must be mindful that maternal mental health in pregnancy and new mothers can be fragile,” Laura says.
“The self-isolation required for pregnant and new mums can take its toll when they are at their most vulnerable.
Now more than ever, we need to rally together and remember that even small gestures of help and support will go a long way.”
Mary Brosnan is the director of midwifery at The National Maternity Hospital (Holles Street) in Dublin.
She wants women to feel confident in the safety of Ireland’s maternity wards. She explains that hospitals throughout the country have adapted to the COVID-19 crisis with the goal of giving the best possible care to mothers and babies.
Mary Brosnan, director of midwifery, The National Maternity Hospital.
“Depending on where the woman is in her pregnancy and what her symptoms are; we have protocol in place for any situation,” she says.
“We want to get the message out that you shouldn’t be afraid to come into the hospital and, frankly, our concern right now is that women won’t come in when they should.”
The National Maternity Hospital has been divided into sections: one for mothers who are asymptomatic and another for those have tested positive for COVID-19.
Women in both sections receive the same treatment, with the exception of social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the COVID-19 section.
Mary says the team at Holles Street have developed an extensive range of online information packages for expectant and new mothers and they have a phone system in place for both admission and post-natal check ups.
Things are quieter at the minute, and to be honest, the mothers are getting good rest; undisturbed by other visitors
While visitation regulations are in place, Mary says they give mothers who have had a straightforward birth the option of an early discharge and in extreme cases of complications, they will allow the partner to visit.
“Things are quieter at the minute, and to be honest, the mothers are getting good rest; undisturbed by other visitors,” she says.
“Then, they are getting good telephone support when they go home. It’s more the partners who are missing out [with these restrictions].”
Mary says the outpouring of public support has been heart-warming for all of the staff at The National Maternity Hospital; from the delivery of hot meals to PPE packages from non-essential businesses.
“[This crisis] has actually forced us to do a lot of things we wanted to do but didn’t get to previously, like putting more information online and generally improving practises,” she says.
“Just remember: babies don’t come when they’re called; they can’t be postponed. Women need to know that Ireland’s maternity wards are safe places.”
COVID-19 guidelines from
Babydoc Club and the HSE
1 Pregnant mums are asked to phone ahead before attending appointments or hospital admission.
2 If allowed to attend, nominated birth partners must wear PPE and observe strict hygiene etiquette.
3 If you are pregnant and symptomatic (fever, cough, shortness of breath) or have been in direct contact with an infected person, phone your GP for further instruction.
4 All maternity units have restrictions in place regarding visitation. Phone your hospital to learn their specific regulations.
5 If you are COVID-19 positive and breastfeeding, you should continue breastfeeding if you are well enough.
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