ZenMuma Jaqueline teaches friendly and welcoming pregnancy yoga classes in south Norfolk. In this blog she seeks out essential advice for birthing during a pandemic.

What’s it really like to give birth during a pandemic? It’s a question many pregnant women are asking themselves right now. What support will I have? Will my partner be allowed into the birthing room with me? Will I have to wear a mask?

Living life through a pandemic has been challenging for all of us. We have all been faced with a “new normal” out of our control. Our experiences and interpretations of the last year have been unique to each of us and brought with it highs and lows.

As we now work our way slowly through our third lockdown I have done some research and asked a new mum and midwifery assistant what it is really like to birth during a pandemic.

I contacted a close friend of mine to ask about her experience as in April this year in the height of lockdown number one she welcomed the most beautiful little girl into the world and whilst since then new control measures have been put in place she was still able to have a comfortable birth free from the distraction of a pandemic. Here’s how she described her experience;

“Felicity was born during the height of full lockdown restrictions in April 2020. We did not have to wear masks, and did not have a Covid test, but then they were not around at that point! We had been asked on the phone several times if either of us had symptoms. All the staff wore masks, aprons and gloves. As this is our first baby it didn't seem odd, but I guess normally they wouldn't be wearing masks.”

“When I asked about a water birth quite late into my labour, we were told if I had a water birth I would have to deliver baby myself as at that point they did not know how the virus transmitted in water. But Felicity put blows to that anyway and I was whizzed into delivery!”

“We received outstanding care, there were new people popping up at any time they were needed, there were also less people in each bay of Blankney ward meaning that midwifes had alot more time to attend to us. They made us feel so comfortable and helped with anything we needed. I don't feel any of my care was less than it should have been during the birth or immediately after. In fact once in the Maternity department, you wouldn't know there was a pandemic happening!”

So, what has changed since the arrival of baby Felicity? I ask one of my best friends who is working extremely hard at the NNUH and who took the time to do some research of how the midwives and all the staff at The NNUH are working to keep everyone safe on the Cley Ward, Delivery suite, Blakeney ward and ante natal clinics.

Do women need to wear a face mask whilst in labour?

No, the birthing mother is not required to wear a mask whilst in labour or during a caesarean birth. However for all other appointment and scans unless you are expecting you should wear a face covering.

How many birthing partners can be with me?

You may have 1 birthing partner with you throughout active established labour. This must be the same birthing partner throughout labour, birth and your antenatal and postnatal stay.

Does my birthing partner need to wear a mask?

Yes, the birthing partner should wear a face covering whilst on the hospital premises.

Can my birth partner attend my 12 and 20 week scans with me?

Yes, one birthing partner may attend. If however either of you feel unwell or present with coronavirus symptoms then you would contact your midwife before attending the appointment for more advise.

Can friends and family come and visit me whilst I am in hospital?

One birth partner can visit between 2-6pm.

Do I need to isolate before my induction?

Yes, it is recommended that you and your birth partner self-isolate for 72 hours prior to your induction.

Can my birth partner be with me throughout my induction?

Your birthing partner can be with you for the initial induction assessment following this normal visiting hours of 2-6pm apply. On arrival to delivery suite your birthing partner maybe with you for the duration.

Can I still choose to have a homebirth?

Yes, the homebirth service is still available unless however you have tested positive for coronavirus or presenting symptoms.

Is the canteen open to buy food?

The canteen area is only open for hospital staff. It is preferred that you do not come and go once at the hospital so it is best to make sure that you stock up and bring lots of snacks with you.

With lots of new rules, regulations and restrictions it can become easier to feel less in control of our birthing journey, as though our choices are stripped away from us, leading to increased levels of anxiety. But that doesn’t have to be the case.

As a hypnobirthing practitioner I took our ZenMuma SIMPLE approach and looked at ways in which we can remain in clam control of our birthing journey and experience birth in all its natural beauty regardless of what’s going on in the world around us right now. This is your unique birthing journey!

SIMPLE in ZenMuma Hypnobirthing stands for

S- Self-hypnosis

I- Intutition

M- Mindfulness

P- Preparation for birth

L- Loyal birthing partner

E- Endorphins

On the ZenMuma hypnobirthing course we go into much details about the science and ways in which we can use of the 6 SIMPLE techniques alongside the hypnobirthing philosophy can help you lead a calmer and healthier pregnancy and birth. I’ll be sharing more about these techniques in my next blog. In the meantime, I wish you a calm, comfortable and positive birthing experience.