Preparing mentally for traumatic and stressful situations is important. Fears and anxiety surrounding a these situations can build up sin our minds and make the situation worse.
Earlier this month, I watched a video from YouTuber Cammie Carter about her experience giving birth during the pandemic. Carter makes lifestyle videos and vlogs about her life as a military wife.
Her video was posted in May. Carter, her husband and their nurses and doctors all wore masks during the birth.
Carter emphasized how “easy” her delivery was, despite the COVID-19 precautions. Her main complaint was how difficult it was to breathe in her mask, which was so high up on her nose she couldn’t see what was happening during the delivery.
Carter also discussed her experience with breast feeding. She explained how the lactation consultant, a nurse who helps new parents with breastfeeding, had to be six feet away from Carter while she was giving advice. Carter said she felt this distance made it feel like she wasn’t being helped.
Breast feeding for the first time can be scary for new parents, especially when they don’t know what they’re doing. If a parent expects the lactation consultant to be hands on and instead receives distanced care, the parent may become disappointed and frustrated. This unnecessary stress could be avoided if parents are made aware of this guideline beforehand.
I don’t think the couple did anything wrong during their birthing experience, but this video made me think about how new precautions affect the delivery process and the days that follow.
What if Carter had been unaware she would have to wear a mask during birth? Being caught off guard with something which affects the birthing process can scare a woman before she even begins delivery.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, much is still unknown about the risks of COVID-19 to newborns. At this point, it’s better to take as many precautions as possible with a newborn, so diligently following social distancing and mask guidelines is important.
Nothing can fully prepare a person for labor, but they can try to be as mentally prepared for COVID-19 precautions as possible. The delivery process is one of the hardest things a body can go through and there aren’t many things which fully prepare someone for that.
However, being aware of new changes and procedures due to COVID-19 can help ease some anxiety. Knowing what the parents are getting into once they reach the hospital can avoid any unnecessary frustration or anxiety, such as not receiving expected care from consultants.
This is not only important for the pregnant parent, but for their partners if they have them. Both parents should fully understand what’s going to happen during labor and the days following delivery. This will help prepare new parents as much as possible for life with their new born during this new normal.
Medical staff, midwives and counselors can help parents mentally preparing for giving birth. Even though wearing a mask during delivery can be unprecedented, it should not be the biggest worry on an expecting couple’s mind.
Nicole Hindberg can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @HindbergNicole