Birth Center COVID FAQs


If I have COVID, will I be separated from my baby?
No. It is not recommended to routinely separate mothers and babies. Instead, we will ask you to wear a mask and wash your hands prior to holding your baby. When the baby is not feeding, we will ask you to place your baby in the bassinet about 6 feet away from you. This is what is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
Will I be able to breastfeed if I have COVID?
Yes, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding for at least one year is highly recommended for all babies, including those born to COVID positive mothers.
 
Will my support person get to be with me if I have COVID?
Yes, you will be allowed one support person. In order to protect others in the hospital, we ask that this support person remain in your room at all times. There are no in and out privileges for this person. Please be sure all childcare and animal care arrangements are made prior coming to the hospital. It is also encouraged your support person bring snacks. Room service meal trays will be provided. If you have a cesarean delivery and are COVID positive, your support person will not be able to be with you in the operating room. We will reunite your family as soon as possible in recovery.
 
What are the rules for my support person if I do not have COVID?
You are allowed one support person for your stay. We ask that this person stay in your room unless getting food from the cafeteria or a meal delivery service. Your support person will need to make arrangements to stay with you at the hospital for the duration of your stay.
 
Can my support person and I have meals from outside the hospital?
If you are on a special diet, you will need to speak with your physician about what you can and cannot eat while in the hospital. In all other cases, meal delivery services can deliver to just outside the main entrance during day and evening hours. However, for patients who are COVID positive, the support person will not be able to leave the room.
 
If my support person has to leave, can I have someone else come stay with me?
Unfortunately, no. We only allow one person to be your support person for the entire stay.
 
What about doulas?
The Association of Women’s Health and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN) recognizes certified doulas as part of the care team for labor and delivery. If you have chosen to hire one of the certified doulas in our community, she will be able to accompany you along with your one support person. Your doula may be with you from the time you are admitted to the hospital until just before you are transferred to our postpartum unit. We ask that your doula not accompany you in triage. The doula must wear a mask when anyone on the healthcare team enters the room.
 
Will I have to wear a mask? What about when I am pushing?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asks that everyone wear a mask when indoors and when social distancing cannot be maintained. For the safety of our staff and to prevent the spread of COVID in our community, we ask that all patients and support persons wear a mask anytime our staff are in the room. If a patient is able to tolerate a mask throughout labor, we appreciate mask wearing at all times. However, we also understand there may be times it is quite difficult to wear a mask, and we will support you however you need in order to have a safe and memorable birth.
 
Can I wear a mask from home?
Yes, with the exception of a bandana, a gaiter covering, or a mask with an exhalation valve.  
 
If my COVID test result isn’t back before I go home, will someone contact me with my result?
Results can be found in your patient portal or by contacting your doctor’s office.
 
Where do I get tested?
If you are scheduled for an induction or cesarean, you will receive a phone call about one week in advance to receive instructions for testing, including the testing site. If you are not scheduled, you will be tested once you arrive at the hospital.

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    Palomar Health is a California Public Healthcare District.

     

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