A Birth Mother’s Hospital Experience in AZ during COVID-19
As a pregnant woman who chose adoption, and preparing to deliver during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, you might come across unexpected arrangements. Due to the main concern of health and safety, the pandemic has remodeled the hospital experience for many birth mothers, their friends, and family members all over the world. Though these new protocols are likely not what you would’ve wished for your birthing experience, they are in place to protect the safety of you and your baby.
Fortunately, Adoption Choices of Arizona is here to help you prepare yourself for your hospital experience during COVID-19. The more time you give yourself to prepare for your baby’s birth during the pandemic, the more time you’ll be able to safely enjoy your pregnancy and begin planning for life in this new normal after the baby’s birth. This planning might begin when you are creating your adoption plan.
If you need adoption help now, please call or text us at 1-480-900-5520 or visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona.
Adoption Birth Plan
Consider the Person You Want with You in the Delivery Room
Because many establishments only allow a specific number of people to remain safe, birth mothers are only allowed one visitor in the hospital for the baby’s birth. Who would you want to be by your side during this emotional experience? Whose help would you want for getting you and your baby out of the hospital safety? Would you prefer a parent? The father of your baby? A close friend? We understand that you might wish to have multiple people with you in the hospital for the baby’s birth, but consider who you’d want to be one of the first people your child meets.
What Should You Expect to Happen at the Hospital before the Baby’s Birth during COVID-19?
Although hospital staff are careful to make sure hospital rooms are stocked and cleaned properly for expectant mothers, they are taking extra precautions in the time of COVID-19:
- They wear masks and gloves while in the hospital
- They have been tested for COVID-19
- Every surface is cleaned prior and during the patient’s visit
- Temperature checks are required for anyone entering the hospital
- Masks are required as you enter and exit the hospital
The more everyone participates in doing what’s needed to keep themselves and those around them safe in a hospital during the pandemic, the safer expectant mothers will feel about bringing their child into the world in the hospital.
Alternative Methods of Communication with Friends and Family
Because hospital patients are only allowed one visitor during the pandemic, you are likely to benefit from using alternative methods of communication to stay in touch with and update the other people you are close with. Would you consider video chatting? Making phone calls? Texting? Instant Messaging?
Though you might be unable to communicate with loved ones in person while waiting for the birth of your child, it is important to remember all the different ways to stay updated with those you love and care for.
What Should You Expect to Happen at the Hospital after the Baby’s Birth?
Once the baby is born and it’s confirmed that both you and your baby are in good health, you will be able to focus all your attention on recovering. A nurse, especially during the pandemic, will check yours and your visitor’s temperature throughout your hospital stay.
Building Arizona families, a goal of the NICU staff is to make sure the baby is healthy and safely leaves the hospital. They are also there to make certain a birth mother’s hospital experience during COVID-19 is a positive one.
Adoption Pregnancy and Protecting Yourself
COVID-19 has opened our eyes to the best ways to safely protect ourselves and our loved ones from disease. Wear a mask while you are out in public. Avoid large crowds. Stay at least six-feet away from those you do not live with. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds. Sanitize your hands throughout the day. Wipe down frequently used surfaces. Avoid contact with those exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Though these new protocols are possibly not what you wanted or expected for the birth of your child, they are what’s needed to slow the spread and protect those closest to us. But thankfully, you now know to protect your health, and improve a birth mother’s hospital experience during COVID-19.
For adoption resources or to begin your adoption journey, birth parents can visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona or call or text us at 1-480-900-5520. If you are an prospective adoptive family hoping to adopt a baby, please instead, visit us here!
Meet the author: Amanda Glover is a recent graduate from Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta, Georgia. She has earned her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Writing. Amanda is currently editing her first novel. Besides being a published novelist, her dreams include singing in a musical, becoming a figure skater, and traveling to Europe.
When she is not writing, she is reading a good romance or suspense book, painting a landscape on canvas, watching a comedy or thriller, or spending time with her friends and family. She loves fashion, books, music, pets, and all things Whimsical. Amanda currently lives in Decatur, Georgia.
