Having a Baby During COVID-19

Having a baby is an amazing, life-changing experience, but it can also be stressful. Having a baby during the COVID-19 Pandemic may add more stress. Your plans may need to be altered to keep you and your family safe. Educate yourself so you can make informed decisions and find the help you need. 

While you are pregnant (and even before):

• Do not hesitate to ask your healthcare providers questions.  Be sure to ask about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding. You can also speak to a public health nurse at the Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317.
• Register for free prenatal education: https://www.healthunit.com/prenatal-health-e-learning.  Don’t forget the virtual tours: https://www.healthunit.com/birthing-at-lhsc
• Wherever you are having your baby, find out what routines and safety measures are in place for COVID-19. Currently, only one support person can be with you throughout your hospital stay. See the guidelines at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC): https://www.lhsc.on.ca/maternal-newborn-care/welcome-to-maternal-newborn-care-0
• You may also be eligible for ongoing support from a public health nurse: https://www.healthunit.com/home-visits
• Think about who will help after your baby is born. The hospital has some specific suggestions for keeping you and your baby safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic: https://www.lhsc.on.ca/media/8552/download.

Just because people cannot visit, does not mean they cannot help.  Ask friends or family to drop-off prepared meals, pick-up and deliver whatever you need, or provide emotional support virtually or on the phone.

After your baby’s birth:

• Your baby should be assessed by their healthcare provider within the first few days at home. 
• Call 519-663-5317 to ask more questions. You may be assigned to a public health nurse for follow-up.
• Many new parents feel anxious or depressed while pregnant or after giving birth. If this is you, speak to your healthcare provider, call a public health nurse or access community resources: https://www.healthunit.com/pmh
• We have been socially isolated for so long now, but there are ways to connect with other new parents.

• Familyinfo.ca has recently been updated and is full of information for families: https://familyinfo.ca/Services/List/10600/Family_Centres

• Family and EarlyON/On y va Centres have virtual programming (Zoom and video) and will expand to outdoor and then indoor groups as COVID-19 restrictions allow. 

Heather Bywaters RN PHN
Middlesex-London Health Unit
For the Middlesex-London Community Early Years Partnership