Coronavirus is officially here in Miami. Large events may be canceled, but pregnancies carry on and babies will be born. The work we are doing at Magnolia Birth House continues.
We understand the fierce protective desires that come with pregnancy. You want to shield yourself and your baby from harm whenever possible. With all the information swirling about coronavirus, there are concerns about how COVID-19 affects pregnant folks and their babies.
One of the benefits of freestanding birth centers is that they are places of wellness, meaning they do not contain departments that are treating sick and contagious people. That’s how we want to keep Magnolia — free from sickness, so we can continue to take care of expectant parents.
This is a constantly changing situation, and new information is unfolding each day, even every hour. We want to keep you updated, so we will use this space to provide you with what we know and what we are doing at Magnolia to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
What are the Basic Facts About Coronavirus?
Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a respiratory infection that often presents like a cold but can progress into severe pneumonia. While the incubation period is 2-14 days, the average is five days.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the most common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some people may also experience body aches, headache, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The virus spreads from person to person when people are in close contact or through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted through contact with infected surfaces or objects. The best precautions are to frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and keep surfaces clean.
What Risks Does Coronavirus Pose for Pregnant Women and Babies?
While there is very limited data about coronavirus and pregnancy, what’s available so far is reassuring for healthy pregnant folks and their babies. Based on cases from early in the outbreak in China, one small study involved nine pregnant women with COVID-19. With only mild to moderate symptoms, there were no severe complications or deaths, and their babies were mostly healthy.
Still, it’s important to remember — that was an extremely small study, and the virus is very new. Because pregnant people are generally considered more susceptible to respiratory infections, we want to work with our clients and their families to stay healthy. Those with underlying medical conditions are at an increased risk for complications and should be more diligent about preventing infection by hand-washing and avoiding exposure.
As far as babies’ health, it’s unclear whether COVID-19 increases the chances of miscarriage, preterm birth, or stillbirth. There is some evidence showing maternal fever may increase the chance of birth defects, including neural tube and cardiac defects.
In the limited studies of infants born to mothers with COVID-19, none tested positive for coronavirus. In addition, the virus was not detected in amniotic fluid or breastmilk.
Speaking of breastmilk, you might be wondering, “Is it safe to breastfeed my baby if I have the coronavirus?” The short answer is yes. There is no evidence that the virus is transmitted through breastmilk. You should always wash your hands before feeding your baby, and you might consider wearing a face mask when nursing.
There is no evidence that the virus is transmitted through breastmilk.
What is Magnolia Doing to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus?
We are continuing to clean clinical spaces between clients as we normally do. However, we have added some extra sanitation measures because of coronavirus.
As of March 13, 2020, here is what we are doing at Magnolia to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
We are installing a hand sanitizer dispenser at the front door. Everyone who enters is asked use the hand sanitizer in the classroom for 20 seconds and wash hands prior to prenatal visits. We also recommend sanitizing when exiting.
We are reminding everyone who comes into the birth center to remove their shoes. (This is a standard policy at Magnolia.)
We are staggering appointments to have as few clients in the building as possible.
We are limiting exposure to the waiting area. A team member will take you directly to the exam room.
Arrive on time for your appointment but not early or late when possible. If you arrive early, please wait in your car if possible.
We are asking that clients do not bring children or other people with them to their appointments. Only clients and their partners should attend appointments.
We are canceling all classes and group tours and will instead offer video tours and midwife meetings. Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment should contact us ASAP. We will continue to accept new clients and are anticipating an increase in demand.
For the safety of all staff, clients, and babies, no one may enter the birth center if they have symptoms of cold, flu, or COVID-19.
Speak to your midwife at a prenatal visit about exactly who will be attending your birth. If you have a doula or birth photographer, make sure they understand that they will not be allowed to attend if they have any signs of illness.
We are putting in automatic soap pumps in our bathrooms, so no one has to touch the soap dispensers to wash their hands.
We are cleaning the birth rooms between each client. Again, this is something we always do at Magnolia.
We are wiping down and steam cleaning door knobs, faucets, and all surfaces people touch daily.
We are steam cleaning floors and all surfaces at the end of every day.
We have switched from reusable hand towels and cups to disposable hand towels and disposable cups.
What About Rescheduling Appointments at Magnolia?
We are requesting that clients reschedule visits if anyone in their household is currently sick and require clients reschedule if they are currently sick. We will be offering some telehealth visits when appropriate. Plus, if simply you’re feeling freaked out and just want to reschedule when things feel less uncertain, that’s totally OK.
You will not be penalized for rescheduling visits. Here are some guidelines for rescheduling for actual illness for yourself or anyone in your household. If you vomit because of morning sickness or have diarrhea because of taking castor oil at 41 weeks, that doesn’t count.
Fever — Wait at least 48 hours after fever resolves. Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower it doesn’t count as it being resolved.
Diarrhea — Wait at least 48 hours.
If you have current symptoms of flu or COVID-19, if anyone in your home has either illness, or if you have known exposure, please go to your primary care physician or urgent care. Magnolia will not be offering testing for COVID-19.
