Mums turn online to prepare to give birth as stillbirth charity shares COVID-19 restrictions worry
An Adelaide-based stillbirth awareness charity is worried mums and unborn babies are being put at risk because of changes to antenatal appointments in the wake of COVID-19.
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An Adelaide-based stillbirth awareness charity is worried mothers and their unborn babies are being put at risk because of changes to antenatal appointments in the wake of COVID-19.
Still Aware CEO Claire Foord said while the measures aimed to keep health workers and expectant families safe during the pandemic, some contradicted the Australian Government’s pregnancy care guidelines.
Ms Foord said among key concerns were the cancelling of face-to-face antenatal classes, the limiting of antenatal visits to less than 15 minutes and the reduction – or increased length of time between – antenatal visits.
“Still Aware believe that regular antenatal care is crucial to reduce a woman’s risk of stillbirth,” she said.
Ms Foord said it was vital expectant mothers followed their instincts.
“We encourage pregnant women to act quickly to seek assistance from the care provider if
they have any concerns, and we encourage clinicians to listen and provide protective
pregnancy advice and respond without delay,” she said.
UniSA’s Associate Professor Jane Warland said she too held concerns.
“I’m worried that pregnant women who have concerns about a change in their unborn baby’s
movements may be even more reluctant than usual to access timely assessment of their baby’s
wellbeing from their care provider.” she said.
Pregnancy educator and doula, or guide, Lael Stone said women needed to be well-informed going into childbirth.
“We know fear has a big impact on a woman when she goes into labour, if she feels scared and frightened, it can affect her body’s ability to relax and do what it is designed to do,” she said.
“(But) when women have information and know what is happening, a lot of the fear is alleviated.”
Mrs Stone said demand for online antenatal support through her online childbirth education program, About Birth, had grown by more than 600 per cent since global pandemic.
“With prenatal classes now cancelled and limits placed on the number of support people allowed in birthing suites, many pregnant women are feeling ill-equipped about delivering their babies, leading to a surge in demand for online support services,” she said.
“We work with women all the way from when they first get pregnant, through their pregnancy, supporting them at birth and postnatally as they transition into motherhood.”
Video modules include the stages of labour, support, breathing, massage, positions, drugs, interventions and breastfeeding.
One mum’s experience with online classes
Adelaide mum-of-three Stacey Du Bois opted for the online prenatal classes ahead of the birth of her third child.
“I felt I needed to refresh my memory on the birthing process with my third baby, as I had my last one four years prior and as strange as it sounds, I had forgotten a lot and was slightly nervous again,” she said.
“With two young children and running my own business at the time, I didn’t have the time or energy to go and attend classes … so an online course was perfect for me, I could do it at home, in my own time, at my own pace, and in my pyjamas.
“I loved how I could go back to it and re-listen.”
What hospitals are doing
Calvary North Adelaide:
AT Calvary North Adelaide pre-natal classes are now being delivered online.
Acting General Manager Su White said COVID-19 restrictions meant the hospital’s traditional interactive, face-to-face prenatal classes couldn’t be held.
Ms White said midwives would host the classes with each session allowing for multiple virtual attendees.
“Support classes will cover topics including pregnancy and labour, coping mechanisms in labour and pain relief, hospital tours, variations of birth (induction, C-section), post-natal stays, newborn care and what your home journey looks like,” she said.
The hospital is also providing iPad access to maternity and hospital patients without a smartphone to allow them to connect them with loved ones unable to visit, due to restrictions in place.