Reassurance offered to pregnant Scarborough women as maternity services change to protect against coronavirus

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is implementing new national guidelines for its maternity services to protect against the spread of coronavirus.

Now, only one birth partner - instead of two - can be present during labour and birth, and they can not return until mothers and babies are going home as visiting is not allowed either on the postnatal or antenatal wards.

Pregnant women are being asked to attend scans and consultant appointments alone, and home births have been suspended.

A spokesperson for York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are asking women to attend appointments and scans without a companion to help reduce risks to patients and staff, in line with national guidelines.

“Some of these examinations take place in small rooms where it is vital that we reduce footfall and provide the recommended social distancing.

“Birth partners will be able to attend the birth provided they are free of symptoms of coronavirus.

“Situations will vary and we are keen to protect the birth experience for a couple and enable as much support as we can under difficult circumstances.

“The home birth service is currently suspended in order to safely staff all areas during periods of increased pressure and staff absence, this will be reviewed in an ongoing basis.”

Maria Machin - Chair of Coast and Country Maternity Voices Partnership - said there has been a mixed response to the new rules.

“Most mums are very optimistic about the new policy,” she said. “Some mums need that extra support.

“Now mothers are only allowed one birth partner, they are having to choose which one will provide the most support and in some cases, that’s not the dad, so that’s a very difficult decision.”

With people being asked not to visit different households, women with other children are faced with leaving their partners at home babysitting while they go into hospital alone.

Maria urged expectant mums to have faith in their midwives and use local antenatal and hypnobirthing teachers’ online resources to prepare and learn relaxation techniques for the birth and during pregnancy.

There is also telephone and video call support available when women are home, she said, as visitors will not be allowed while the lockdown continues.

For more information, visit www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-of-services/maternity-services/coronavirus/A message from the Editor:

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