4 ms·
The uncertainty isn't just the COVID overload, but also no doulas/support people, and not knowing if the father is even going to be allowed in the building in c
by mbg721 6y ago
The uncertainty isn't just the COVID overload, but also no doulas/support people, and not knowing if the father is even going to be allowed in the building in case something unusual happens.
- leesalminen 6y agoMy wife and I had our first son at the end of 2019, right before the outbreak. We’ve heard from friends that women are delivering wearing a mask now. My wife thinks that she wouldn’t be able to do that and that she would pass out. The level of breathing required to deliver a baby is intense. She has basically threatened the livelihood of my genitalia if I impregnate her during the pandemic. She’s kidding, right? ;)
- avesi 6y agoI delivered wearing a mask last year, it's honestly security theater. A little floppy surgical mask does nothing to contain the breathing of a laboring woman. I was more upset I couldn't kiss my baby when he was first put in my arms.
- andrew_ 6y agoIt's a tough juggle between a hospital that won't allow you to give birth maskless, and the level of care you want. We went through a similar tough choice with our daughter born in August last year - we ultimately went with a Catholic-based hospital that we vetted for great care that allowed my wife to give birth without a mask on.
- dhosek 6y agoThe level of breathing needed to deliver a baby is intense, sure, but the impeding of breathing from wearing a mask is minimal. Early on when I was wearing homemade masks made with shop towels, rubber bands and staples, mask wearing was uncomfortable, but with masks that aren't made out of random elements are fine. My first-grade kids have no problem running, jumping and climbing with their masks on.
- ars 6y ago> but the impeding of breathing from wearing a mask is minimal. If I inhale hard on a surgical mask, it collapses and seals against my mouth. I have to either use a brand new, very stiff, mask. Or adjust the mask not to seal well against the sides to add some more space between my mouth and the mask. It doesn't happen during normal breathing, but I could easily see it happening during labor - the sweat would soften the mask, and the level of breathing needed would easily do it.
- PebblesRox 6y agoCaring for a baby once it's born is also harder without the support available from family to bring food, babysit older kids, etc.
- ViViDboarder 6y agoI’m in San Francisco, where we’ve consistently had some of the most restrictive policies. My wife is pregnant and they’ve told me the whole time that I’d be allowed in for the birth, but while rates were climbing I’ve been unable to attend any appointments or ultrasounds. It’s been kind of surreal knowing that, yes, we’re having a baby, but not having been able to really see it. Now that rates have dropped, I’m finally going to be able to attend my first ultrasound today and I’m totally stoked!
- 1-more 6y agoCongrats!! Hope it's smooth sailing for you and your spouse and your child.