Living with Covid-19

Covid-19 has changed a lot of things,

But not how much WE CARE about your birth experience.

Covid 19

Pregnant people and newborns still have a higher risk of severe Covid infections and care should be taken to prevent and limit infections. Avoiding contact with unwell individuals, masking, hand washing and vaccinations have been shown to reduce the risk of Covid 19. There are additional medical conditions that can further your risk of Covid 19. Your midwives will review your risk and current recommendations throughout your care. If you develop Covid in the course of your care with us, please let your midwives know to discuss the implications for pregnancy, birth and postpartum. We are grateful most cases are mild now but pregnant people - especially those int the third trimester are at increased risk of severe Covid infections. If you have difficulty breathing or appear confused, please seek urgent care immediately.

 
 

Prenatal, Labour, Birth & Postpartum

Care in our clinic:

  • Masking is NO longer mandatory in clinical settings including clinics, labs and hospitals. However, we respect that some people continue to be more vulnerable than others and prefer to continue to wear a mask. Your midwives will generally not be wearing a mask but would be happy to put one on if you prefer.

  • Pregnant people and newborns are still very vulnerable to respiratory infections. PLEASE, rebook your clinic appointment if you are unwell or have a fever or cough.

  • If you have been exposed to Covid or are unsure if you have signs or symptoms, PLEASE wear a medical grade mask to the office.

  • Medical grade masks are still provided at the office for your convenience.

  • We have returned to in-person clinic appointments at regular intervals but continue to offer virtual appointments for your convenience in the first and second trimester or if you are unwell or unable to make to the office.

  • There are NO restrictions to the number of support people in the office as long as they are well.

Cowichan district Hospital:

  • Wearing a medical grade mask is NO longer required at hospitals UNLESS they are unwell or have possible signs or symptoms of Covid 19.

  • Medical staff are also NO longer required to wear masks in hospital but some may choose to do so.

  • There are no restrictions on support people for labouring people.

  • Children accompanied by an adult are allowed to visit the postpartum ward.

  • Support persons are no longer restricted on the number of times they leave the maternity ward, but are asked to be respectful as frequent coming/ going is very disruptive to parents and nursing staff.

  • The cafeteria is now open to the public when available.

  • Clients DO NOT have access to the patient fridge at this time but are welcomed to bring a cooler if desired.

  • Support people are allowed for outpatient assessments such as non-stress tests and iron infusions.

Home Births:

  • Home birth are available as per usual guidelines and considerations.

  • We continue to offer virtual visits to clients planning home births around 37 weeks so we can review your supplies and have a virtual tour of your planned birthing space.

  • As always, there will be one midwife attending your labour at home, and another midwife will arrive for the birth.

Postpartum:

  • Masking is NOT mandatory for you or your midwives unless unwell or Covid 19 exposed.

  • We respect your choice to continue to wear a mask and your midwives will also wear one at your request.

  • There are not restrictions on well visitors at the hospital or at home, however we continue to recommend parents continue to limit visitors to encourage rest and protect them in the vulnerable initial postpartum period.

For more detailed information about Covid 19, check out the links in our Resources Section.

Updated June 11, 2023