Delivering maternity advice during coronavirus outbreak
Midwives are delivering helpful information to reassure mumsto-be during the COVID-19 outbreak, writes Kathie Griffiths. Pregnant women who already have a named community midwife should keep in touch by telephone to ask questions or discuss any concerns, as well as to check on latest arrangements for appointments. If an expectant mum does not have a named contact yet, she needs to let the maternity unit know.
Care before and after baby arrives is still an important part of being looked after during the current outbreak, but faceto-face appointments might be reduced and be replaced with phone calls or virtual appointments by video. Scheduled scans will still take place and check ups done the visit.
‘You will be informed of any changes to your care in advance,’ said a spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership.
Midwives are also working with women to find out what classes they would like to take part in online.
So far, baby massage and hypnobirthing have been trialed and will be rolled out shortly across the region. Midwives and Infant feeding supporters can also arrange sessions online.
One of Lorn and Islands Hospital’s newest arrivals was baby Harrison on March 27, delighting mum Jade and dad Jonathan Brown. The happy news was announced on the midwives Facebook page, Births in Argyll and Bute, a source of more helpful information for new parents and families. Although general visiting is banned, birth partners are still being allowed in at the hospital.
The midwives remain on call for support and advice and will direct women to appropriate contacts and information.
To read the latest guidance and information on how to protect you and your family during COVID-19, go to the following organisation websites:
■ Joint guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Midwives Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Public Health England and Health Protection Scotland.
■ UK Government guidance explaining social distancing and self-isolation.
■ NHS 111 website
■ NHS Inform in Scotland