Women forced to choose between birth coach and partner amid coronavirus

Queensland Health has ordered that only one person can support a woman during labour, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

HOSPITALS have banned visitors from seeing newborn babies, and told pregnant women to choose between their partner or a birth coach for support during labour.

Queensland Health has ordered that only one person can support a woman during labour, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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Metro South Health says pregnant women can have either a partner or a support person attend the birth – but not both.

The Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service has banned all visits to see newborn babies.

“To minimise activity at our hospitals, we are restricting the visitors in maternity to one support person per birth, with no other visitors while in hospital,’’ it says.

Mater Mothers has even banned children from seeing their baby brother or sister in hospital.

“At this time all visitors to Mater Mothers will be restricted to one partner OR support person only,’’ its website states.

“This does unfortunately mean that children are not permitted to visit the hospital, including hospital grounds.’’

Brisbane doula Moran Liviani said her clients were anxious that they would be “left at the door of the hospital’’.

“Women are left scared, anxious and dreading their birthing day,’’ she said.

“A doula is an essential part of the health care team for women.

“Even though we aren’t medically trained … the support we give to women throughout their pregnancy and in labour shows better health outcomes for mum and baby.

“Doula support during birth results in fewer interventions, a lower rate of C-sections, breastfeeding success and healthy birth outcomes resulting in lower rates of postnatal depression.’’

Skye Smyth is concerned she will be forced to give birth without support due to coronavirus restrictions. Picture: Richard Walker/AAP

Brisbane mother-to-be Skye Smyth, who is expecting twins in June, said she was “freaking out’’ about giving birth without her doula guiding her.

“The idea of not having a doula there is really scary for me,’’ she said.

“I can’t do a home birth because with twins it’s illegal in Australia, otherwise that’s what I’d be doing.

“I’ve realised how crucial it is to have that mental support when you’re going through labour and birth.’’

A spokeswoman said Queensland Health recommended one consistent support person throughout the labour and birth to ensure new mothers, their babies and other patients remained safe during this time.

“Additional visitors may be allowed following birth, depending on the wellbeing of mother and baby,’’ a spokeswoman said.

“However water births are not recommended because of their impact on the integrity of personal protection worn by clinicians.

“The safety of our staff is a top priority.’’