New York City hospitals are trying to restrict labor and delivery visitors due to COVID-19 fears.
One expectant mom shares how that may affect her birth.
Um, Can You Use a Vibrator While Pregnant?
Hospitals are required to comply with this mandate, the health advisory reads.
I cant help but laugh at my timing.
Not even doulas, midwives, or other birth workers are allowed.
…
Unless something changes in the next three-and-a-half weeks, I will be giving birth alone.
Because having a support person present during labor can reduce the risk ofunnecessary C-sectionsand other complications.
Not being able to have him in the room when Im in labor…
I cant wrap my mind around that.
Its my default to defer to someone who sounds like they know what theyre doing.
Ive also had to make difficult personal choices due to COVID-19 that will affect my postpartum life.
I asked them to cancel their flights last week.
What gets me is that being pregnant can be a very alienating experience on its own under normal conditions.
You feel so not in your own body and not like yourself as time goes on.
…
Its hard to feel normal ever.
But no one could ever prepare meor any other woman facing this right nowfor this outcome.
Thankfully, my doctor has been really great.
She called me yesterday to share the hospitals updates personally and see if I had any questions.
Ive seen the petition floating aroundasking New York hospitals to reverse their decision, and I support it.
Yet its hard to ask to be the exception in the time of a pandemic.
Know that youre not alone in thisat least not in spirit.
As told to Jessie Van Amburg.
This piece was originally published on March 26, 2020.
It was updated on March 30, 2020.
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And why a person with a compromised immune system wants you totake the novel coronavirus seriously.
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