Covid Kids: A New Outlook on Hospital Births

It is supposed to be the best time of your life, for those who want kids, but the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way expecting couples welcome their newest addition to their family into the world.

Flashback to December 2019, a time we all took for granted. Homes are filled with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents celebrating the holiday season. Some couples are about to share life-changing news with their loved ones. 

“I was obviously so excited to share the news with my parents that I was pregnant with my second child.” said Amy Jo Marita, who gave birth to her second daughter in July of 2020. Little did she know, that in a few short months, things would change the way of life as she knows it.

Covid-19 has affected everyone in one way or another, for expecting mothers: baby showers have turned virtual, doctor’s appointments are done alone, and giving birth means you only stay in the hospital for 24-hours after the fact.

“With my first child, I could invite anyone I wanted in the room with me, now with the pandemic, it was limited to my husband and the medical staff, said Jessica Butturini, a mother who had her third child during the pandemic, “There’s nothing like seeing your parents light up holding their newest grandchild in a hospital.”

Not only have the amount of people been limited in hospitals during births, but also the amount of time new parents stay after their child is born. It was not uncommon to stay two or three days after welcoming a child, now parents stay only 24-hours after, as long as both mother and child are healthy. 

There are also restrictions on leaving the hospital. If, during the time your partner is laboring, you leave, you are not allowed to come back in, for the safety of the baby as well as workers and patients in the hospital. Masks stay on while the couple stays in the hospital, even while the mother is in labor. 

 “It’s unreal. Never ever would I have though this would be my experience while having a baby, I can’t imagine what first-time mothers are thinking,” Marita also said.

While this is not the most ideal situation for bringing a new child into the world, expecting partners are still able to do so safely. Following CDC guidelines is crucial, especially when a newborn is involved. Although we have been living through the pandemic for about a year now, it is still a way of life most are getting used to.

For more information and recommendations, head to www.cdc.gov.