Adapting to pregnancy amidst pandemic

Adapting to pregnancy amidst pandemic

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has undoubtedly changed so many aspects of life, and for women around the world faced with having a baby amidst COVID-19, the current situation brings newfound anxieties and a new ‘normal’ for giving birth. 

Whether it’s facing anxiety about coming to hospital or coming to grips with the absence of grandparents at the birth of your child, we realise there can be lots of daunting factors for pregnant women at the moment.

Kathleen Goldsmith, Manager Parent Education and Support Services at Mater Mothers’ Hospitals said many expectant parents don’t even realise the support services that are readily available to them to help ease their concerns.

“We find that lots of mums and dads-to-be aren’t aware of the pregnancy, birthing and beyond courses and resources that they can access to create peace of mind during this unusual time,” she said.

“In response to COVID-19, all of our parent education classes have turned to virtual platforms and we are offering Telehealth appointments Monday to Friday to ensure we can continue to provide education and support covering pregnancy, breastfeeding, family life preparation, labour, induction, and planned caesarean.”

Though there have been changes at Mater Mothers’ Hospitals to the usual pregnancy journey to ensure enhanced safety for our mums, newborns and staff—such as visitor restrictions—it is important that expectant parents try to adjust to the new ‘normal’.

“We have seen changes evolve as COVID-19 unfolds but we urge all Mater mothers and fathers to start having discussions with their obstetrician, midwife or GP—no matter what stage of pregnancy they are at—to answer any questions and resolve some of their anxieties,” Kathleen said. 

First time parents Katy and Jack said they felt more confident and very well informed about what’s to come after recently completing the online parent education courses.

“I’m a pretty anxious person as it is without being pregnant and in the middle of a pandemic, but my husband and I were very grateful to the midwives and educators who took the course and help ease our concerns,” Katy said.

“The educators were very experienced, delivered the sessions in an engaging way, explained things very clearly and took time to answer our many questions thoroughly”.

“Whilst the delivery of some maternity services may have changed—like parent education classes—our support has never been so important, and as one of Australia’s largest maternity services we will always be committed to bringing happy, healthy babies into the world,” Kathleen said.

You can find out more about Mater Mothers’ parent education online offerings, virtual hospital tours and frequently asked questions COVID-19 answered.

 

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For urgent assessment at any stage of your pregnancy, please present to your nearest emergency centre or Mater Mothers’ 24/7 Pregnancy Assessment Centre in South Brisbane.

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