Having a Baby in Dover, NH during a Pandemic

April 10, 2020 - DOVER, NH -

In my work as a postpartum doula at Dover Doula, I’m hearing over and over from pregnant women that their “anxiety level is through the roof” right now because of COVID-19.

Towards the end of pregnancy, there’s always that layer of anxiety as you look ahead to all the unknowns about giving birth. But during a global pandemic - there are so many more unknowns. And anxiety intensifies when we don’t know what to expect.

So, if you are pregnant and planning on having a baby soon in Dover, NH here’s some tips on what to expect:

PRENATAL APPOINTMENTS:

Dover Women’s Health and Garrison Women’s Health are only seeing pregnant and other urgent patients to limit the number of people in the office and especially the waiting room. You’ll be asked to wear a mask once you enter and check out and payments will be done later via phone.

AT WENTWORTH DOUGLASS HOSPITAL:

Here are the new precautions put in place, as of today:

·      One healthy labor support partner AND a certified birth doula (if your birth doula is not affiliated with WDH, they will have to provide proof of certification ahead of time to Lyndi Sargent to be allowed inside)

·      You will be provided with a mask as you check in, you will have to wear the mask in all common areas of the hospital.  You can take it off as soon as you are in your room.

·      Once you are in your room – you can NOT leave the room until you are discharged!  (Don’t worry, every room is private and has its own bathroom) Please pack accordingly. (clothes, toiletries, snacks and your baby’s carseat).  Please plan accordingly if you or your partner is a smoker.  You will not be permitted to leave and take smoke/vaping breaks.

·      The one reason for leaving the room is to labor in the jacuzzi tub. All patients will now be tested for COVID-19 as you arrive (results available in 2 hours) and if you test negative, you are able to use the Jacuzzi tub. If you test positive, the jacuzzi tub is not available.

·      The hospital is not allowing any visitors at this time. But, there is WIFI and you are able to Skype, Facetime, etc with friends and family.

·      Nitrous Oxide is not available right now as a pain management option.

·      After delivery, depending on your health & your baby’s health, you can talk to your provider about requesting an early discharge so you can get back home.

“Please know that every single room at the hospital’s Women & Children’s Center has a refrigerator,” reminds Lyndi Sargent, Maternal/Child Resource Coordinator at Wentworth Douglass Hospital, “So please bring whatever fresh food you’d like to have on hand.”  The unit is stocked with plenty of snacks and drinks, but the nursing staff will have to bring them to you as you and your partner won’t be able to leave the room.

Take a virtual tour of WDH Women & Children’s Center, including where & how to enter when you arrive, click here.

To see updated information on all of the hospital’s education options, click here. 

FIRST FEW DAYS HOME:

Visiting nurses are not making postpartum visits to your home as they typically do (unless medically necessary).  These visits will be conducted virtually.  Other appointments are also being made at an offsite location and/or at Dover Pediatrics. As you are discharged, you will be given information about this important follow up visit.

NEWBORN TWO WEEK CHECK UPS:

Most babies born at Wentworth Douglass Hospital are seen by Dover Pediatrics for their two week checkup.  Dover Pediatrics has completely separate offices - a “Well Side” and a “Sick Side” and all healthy babies will be seen on the Well Side.  

Have a list of questions written down as they are trying to keep these visits brief.

Dr. Rich told me that they’ve cancelled all well-visits for kiddos over 2 years old to limit the number of people in the waiting room.

POSTPARTUM SUPPORT:

Once you are home with your baby, you will have approximately a bajillion questions. Postpartum doulas usually provide hands-on, in-home support to new families - including help with meal prep, dishes & laundry and caring for baby so you can sleep. Right now, all of our support is being offered virtually and includes:

• *a closed Facebook group of local new moms

• *weekly online Zoom “support group” calls on Fridays

• *access to a library of videos with answers to all the most common “New Mom” questions

MAKE A POSTPARTUM PLAN:

Lots of people create a birth plan, but it’s important to also come up with a Postpartum Plan. Download a postpartum planning template here.

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