One of the top priorities of any birthing parent is to ensure the safety of their child and themselves during the labor and birth processes. For pregnant folks, things were already quite frightening with the severely high rates of infant and maternal mortality rates in the U.S. With the most recent global pandemic, the odds of those numbers increasing has risen drastically. I can only imagine what a pregnant woman might be going through emotionally in addition to the physical changes she’s already faced with. So then the question becomes, how can parents at least feel safe ushering their babies outside of the womb?
At the top of the list, homebirth is one of the most effective ways to safely birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. I know that it’s hard to believe that the hospital isn’t the safest place for a newborn baby, but in the current climate we’re living in, unfortunately it isn’t.
Having a homebirth ensures a controlled environment. Parents can minimize the risk of their baby being exposed to the covid-19 virus by having full control over who is in the birthing space. They can also elect for everyone there to be tested prior to the birth and quarantine should they choose to be present. This leads to parents being able to decide whether mask-wearing is needed. Some parents tend to feel detached from their babies during those first moments after birth because of the mandatory mask-wearing policy enforced within the hospitals. Additionally, at the hospital you don't know who will be in your room or who will be around your baby. You also will not have lots of room to do things your way which i talk more about in my blog post, “Is Homebirth For You”.
Many states have issued a stay-at-home order which limits outings to only things that are necessary like essential work professionals going to their jobs and grocery shopping. We’ve been directed to use contactless shopping and even have had virtual doctor’s appointments! If doctors don’t want us to come to their offices so that we don’t put ourselves or others at risk, then why is it okay for us to visit them to birth our babies in a unit with hundreds of others who might have also been exposed to covid-19 and put our babies at risk?
Preparation through taking a childbirth preparation class is also key to having a safe birthing experience. The more you know, the better prepared you will be for what’s ahead. With the right childbirth educator, you will learn about all of your options for labor and childbirth. There’s more to learn besides the physical aspects of childbirth. What about informed consent? Interventions? Labor coping techniques? State laws and birth center policies on releasing your own placenta to you? It’s never too early to begin taking classes, nor can you ever take too many classes. Check the events tab to see if any of my upcoming courses speak to you.
Lastly, trust your body and your intuition. Our human brains love all things grandiose. So this tip may go unrecognized by a few readers. However, through mindfulness practice, I’ve learned that life is indeed simple. Trusting your body and its abilities as well as the voice inside of you is a practice. Believe that you know what’s best for you and that your body was created by this omnipotent Higher Power that equipped you with everything you need. Once you choose that path of consciousness, you’ve already begun to shift and the Universe will shift things on your behalf. Surrender to that.
If you’re looking for a Doula and would like to talk more about your birthing options, contact me here. I’d love to speak with you.
