Birth Guidelines During COVID-19
***UPDATED AS OF FEBRUARY 2021**
So, your’re pregnant and due to give birth any day now. While your days should be filled with nursery prep and virtual baby showers, they may also be filled with uncertainty about what to expect at your place of birth during this pandemic.
Good news! We have spoken with representatives from many of the hospitals and birthing centers in the area to find out the latest guidelines (as of May 25, 2020) of what you can expect during the birth of your baby. Scroll down to find your place of birth and see what specific guidelines are for that location.
Women’s Birth and Wellness Center
Q. Can I have my partner and my doula with me at the WBWC when I am in labor?
A. Yes! Partners, doulas, and immediate family are still welcome to attend labors and births at the birth center. They do ask that you limit the number of people with you and keep in mind that children need their own support person. Everyone attending your birth is asked to stay in your room as the waiting area is currently closed. Please note that only the pregnant person can attend in-person prenatal appointments (no partners or children).
Q. Are you testing laboring persons for COVID-19?
A. No. Everyone attending the birth will answer screening questions and have their temperature taken. The WBWC does ask that everyone attending your birth wear masks the entire time they are at the birth center. The laboring person does not have to wear a mask during any stage of labor, including the second stage of pushing.
Q. What will be available to me for pain relief?
A. The WBWC continues to offer laboring in the tub or shower, full movement around the room, and use of birth and peanut balls. Water births are still encouraged. Nitrous oxide is currently available if the laboring person desires its use.
Q. What does my postpartum followup appointment look like?
A. Currently, the WBWC is not doing home visits. Instead, the birthing person and their newborn come to the WBWC within 2-3 days of birth.
UNC (NC Women’s Hospital)
Q. How many support people can I have with me during labor?
A. You can have one support person and one certified doula with you at this time. This person should plan to be with you throughout your stay at the hospital. If they leave the hospital at any time, they may not be allowed reentry. As a side note, there is no need to bring your carseat inside the hospital if your baby is at least 37 weeks old.
Q. Are you testing all laboring persons for COVID-19?
A. Yes. All laboring persons will be tested since UNC has in-house testing.
Q. Do I have to wear a mask during labor?
A. The laboring person and support person are asked to wear a mask anytime staff is in the room. The laboring person may have their mask off, especially during the pushing stage. Once in the postpartum rooms, the new parent(s) are asked to wear a mask anytime they are in the hall and anytime staff is in the room.
Q. What will be available to me for pain relief?
A. There are several options available. Laboring persons can labor in the tub or shower, use the birth and peanut ball, and many other comfort measures. Epidurals and IV pain relief is available. Nitrous oxide is available if the laboring mother tests negative for COVID-19.
Q. Do I need to bring my own breast pump and pump parts?
A. The hospital can provide a hand pump or a kit for a single electric pump. NICU moms get priority for electric pumps. The hospital is currently reserving double kits for persons who MUST pump. Additionally, donor milk is only for babies born before 37 weeks.
Rex Hospital
Q. How many support people can I have with me during labor?
A. You can currently have one support person and one certified doula with you. Your main support person can leave the hospital one time in a 24 hour period.
Q. Will I be tested for COVID-19?
A. Yes, Rex is now testing all laboring people for COVID-19.
Q. Will I have to wear a mask during labor?
A. Yes, you are encouraged to wear a mask during labor.
Q. What will be available to me for pain relief?
A. Rex has birth and peanut balls. Laboring persons may be able to use the shower in their room as a comfort measure. Epidurals and IV pain medication are available. Nitrous oxide is now being offered as long as the laboring mother has tested negative for COVID-19.
Q. Do I need to bring my own breast pump and pump parts?
A. Yes, please bring your own pump and parts.
Duke University Hospital
Q. How many support people can I have with me during labor?
A. Laboring persons may have one support person during labor and delivery. No other visitors are permitted at this time.
Q. Will I be tested for COVID-19?
A. Yes, all laboring persons will be tested upon arrival.
Q. Will I have to wear a mask during labor?
A. Yes, laboring persons and their support person need to wear a mask anytime staff is in the room. The laboring person may be able to have their mask off during later stages of labor.
Q. What will be available to me for pain relief?
A. Duke has L and D rooms with showers and tubs. Patients can also use birth and peanut balls. Epidurals and IV pain medication are also available.
Q. Do I need to bring my own breast pump and pump parts?
A. No. Duke will provide pumps.
WakeMed Hospitals (includes Raleigh, Cary, and North campus)
Q. How many support people can I have with me during labor?
A. You can have one support person and one certified doula with you in labor. If you have a doula, they need to be prepared to show credentials that they are certified. (All Doulas of Raleigh birth doulas are certified).
Q. Will I be tested for COVID-19?
A. Yes. All laboring persons will be tested for COVID-19 when they are admitted. If you test positive, your doula will not be able to attend the birth due to hospital policy.
Q. Will I have to wear a mask during labor?
A. No, laboring women do not need to wear a mask in their room. We do ask everyone to wear a mask anytime they leave the room.
Q. What will be available to me for pain relief?
A. WakeMed offers the use of birth and peanut balls, tubs, and showers (WakeMed North has showers only and WakeMed Main has rooms that are shower-only - request a room with a tub when you arrive). Epidurals and IV pain medication are available. While we do have nitrous, we are not offering the use of nitrous oxide during the pandemic.
Q. Do I need to bring my own breast pump and pump parts?
A. No, we are still providing pumps and pump parts to patients who need them.
These are the most current guidelines at area hospitals. Guidelines continue to change so it’s always a good idea to ask your care provider about any recent policy changes.