More than four months into the pandemic, COVID-19 cases are rising faster than before.
So what does that mean for 2020 pregnancies and beyond?
Um, Can You Use a Vibrator While Pregnant?
), but a giving birth during pandemic is uniquely stressful.
So what does that mean for 2020 pregnancies?
Well+Good: Now that were well into the pandemic, what is happening with doulas and birthing?
wellness expert, doula, and founder of Mama Glow
Latham Thomas:Most of the support is virtual, and the hospital policies have been constantly in flux.
Some hospitals allow doulas, while others dont.
Once the birth happens, the doulas leave.
Many people have figured out how to support and advocate for people the way they normally wouldjust virtually.
Well, a couple of things happen.
Black people have a complex history with the medical system that is bound in mistrust.
Some people dont have partners, so theyre going alone.
So another thing that you’re able to lose is confidence.
In that case, howare doulas shiftingtheir messaging to clients?
wellness expert, doula, and founder of Mama Glow
Sometimes that means having your doula on Skype or FaceTime.
Other times, it means huddling up with your family or maybe getting a second opinion.
When someones in the room, obviously its easier.
But when theyre not in the room, we have to create spaces to facilitate that level of safety.
Youve shifted to virtual doula training during the pandemic.
How has that adjustment gone?
Weve seen a lot of interest since COVID-19.
What do you think is driving that?
I think people have the time.
Theyre thinking about what they want to do with their lives, slowing down and going inward.
People are seeing things that inspires the courage to do something themselves.
Theres also the backdrop of having essential workers who are lauded for putting their life on the line.
I think that theres something around that, toopeople think,I could do something to help people.
Again, people want to feel like theyre part of the solution.
We have to re-envision what the in-person experience looks like.
Were definitely going to continue to offer education and services virtually.
Then, we have to re-envision what the in-person experience looks like.
We want to work toward figuring out how to address a moment like this, if it happens again.
And what do you think will change for birthing people?
If we start to empower patients and clients to understand more about the bodies, theyll be more educated.
I also want people to feel like they have options; out-of-hospital birth should be on the table.
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