Delivering in a Pandemic: Frequently Asked Questions
Having a baby is an exciting time, but due to the COVID-19 virus, many parents-to-be are feeling anxious about coming into the hospital. Our Kienzle Family Maternity Center team has been delivering babies throughout the pandemic with the same level of safe, compassionate care families have experienced at Crouse for generations.
The questions below may help you as you prepare for your delivery at Crouse. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our maternity team with any additional questions.
Q: Are maternity center tours and First Steps classes still available?
A: Yes, but we’ve moved them to an online format during the pandemic. To view the maternity center tour, click here. To view and register for First Steps classes, click here.
Q: Will I (and/or my support person) have to be tested for COVID-19 prior to my arrival at Crouse for delivery?
A: Moms will be tested when they check in on the Labor and Delivery Unit, depending on testing supplies. Please let staff know if you have been recently tested and/or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
Your support person (and doula/midwife if applicable) will be screened for symptoms and temperature checked approximately every 12 hours, as well as provided with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Symptomatic support persons/doula/midwife will be unable to stay in the hospital.
Q: What happens if I test positive for COVID-19?
A: A positive result will not change how we care for you or your baby. It will require our staff to wear some extra Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), you won’t be able to leave your room and you’ll need to take extra precautions if you breastfeed your baby, but otherwise, the care and treatment for you and your baby will remain the same.
Q: Can I still have a midwife or doula present at my delivery, or does that count as a support person?
A: Yes, you can have a midwife or doula in addition to a support person. Your doula/midwife will be screened for symptoms and temperature. Symptomatic persons will be unable to stay in the hospital.
Q: Will I have to wear a mask the whole time I’m in labor — even while pushing?
A: Regardless of your COVID-19 test results, for the safety of our staff, we ask that you and your support person wear masks whenever Crouse staff enters your room. This is especially important if you’re COVID-positive. This includes while you’re pushing.
Q: If I test positive for COVID-19, will I be unable to room in with my baby, breastfeed, etc.?
A: Your baby can still be in the room with you and we will give you detailed instructions on how to care for him or her if you test positive. You’ll be able to breastfeed and can still meet with a member of our lactation team.
Q: Will my baby be tested for COVID-19?
A: Testing is up to your pediatrician, who will see your baby in the hospital. You should contact your pediatrician and ask them if you’re concerned.
Q: I am having a Cesarean section. Do COVID-19 protocols change anything regarding surgery?
A: No. We have surgical suites on the labor and delivery unit and one of them is equipped to be a negative pressure room if you are COVID-positive.
Q: What if my baby needs to go to the NICU? Will I be able to visit?
A: Yes. Our NICU team is ready and able to accommodate your baby and you can visit while you’re in the hospital. If your baby needs to stay in the NICU after you’re discharged, you can visit in accordance with our COVID-19 visitation policy.
Q: My support person is unable to stay the whole time I am an inpatient. Will he or she be able to come back to help me when I am discharged?
A: Our current visitation policy allows for one visitor each day, between 2-6 p.m. If your support person has to leave for any reason, he or she can come back as a visitor.
Q: What do I need to bring with me to the hospital?
A: Due to the current COVID-19 protocols, we ask that you bring everything you’ll need for labor, delivery and postpartum. This includes comfort items, phone and electronic chargers, food and snacks, car seat for baby and anything else you think you or your support person will need or want.
Q: If my support person can’t leave while I’m in labor, how will he or she get food?
A: We suggest bringing snacks from home (please bring a cooler if your food will need to stay refrigerated. Staff on the unit can supply you with ice). Delivering moms can order from our room service menu. Your support person can also order from this menu and pay with a debit/ credit card. You can have local food deliveries made to the hospital and staff from the unit can pick it up from the main lobby. If you have any questions regarding food while you’re at Crouse, please do not hesitate to ask your nurse.
Information as of March 23, 2021. Subject to change.
