Words from the Midwives
Wisdom, stories and truths
Friends,
Whether you are rolling your eyes at the hype or stockpiling items you think you might need, the truth remains that we have embarked into a pandemic in our lifetime. And there is oh so much information and speculation out there that it's hard to know if, well... you should roll your eyes or if you should stockpile. During this time it is hard to discern from over sensationalism and preparedness. Let's begin with what we know: The Coronavirus is not new but the strain we have now is, COVID-19. It's so new that scientists and medical professionals are testing and learning about it as it happens. This means that the world is in a state of quick learning and doing its best. Because it's so new, studies have not been done in pregnancy and newborns so this is the time to really, truly be ultra-vigilant on the health of yourself and family. According to The Lancet, of those tested who are infected with the virus, no virus was detected in amniotic fluid, cord blood, or breastmilk. As of this writing, no known cases of COVID-19 are present in the state of Idaho. While we can take comfort in that, let's not become complacent. Don't use hand sanitizer when you can wash your hands. Walk the extra steps to use the soap and water. Hand sanitizer is 60% alcohol which is drying to skin, causing cracks and an excellent opportunity for germs to enter into your body. Plus, hand washing is the #1 way to stop the spread of infection. Wash your hands (and your child's hands) immediately after you walk though your front door. Clean your cell phone when you get home. You touch that thing and put it on your face... clean it up. Take a disinfecting wipe to your steering wheel and inside car door handles once in a while, too. This is a good time to wash your child's jacket/coat. Come to think of it, wash yours, while you're at it. Remove shoes- a simple way to keep your home cleaner regardless of your flooring. We all walk on so much in our community. Don't bring it in with you. The safest way to protect yourself and your family is to avoid areas where sick people are or might be. Homebirth has always been the safest place for low-risk mothers to birth their babies. Now, is no exception. If you are pregnant and considered low-risk {meaning you aren't Type 1 diabetic, have had 2 previous c-sections, are pregnant with twins}, this is the time to call your local homebirth midwife. The safest place to give birth in in your own home. This fact is true even if we are not in the midst of a pandemic but may be more true now because of it. Part of a midwife's job is to keep you and your baby safe. We take late-to-care clients and provide the same high-quality care in the safety of your own home. Your home has all of your own germs and bacteria; you and your baby are already immune to them. Licensed Midwives have all the same medications as a hospital or birth center that is needed for birth such as, IV supplies, medications to stop hemorrhage, oxygen, suture material, as well as newborn resuscitation equipment which we bring to all births. Our equipment is sterile.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorsJenny Jahn CPM, LM is co-founder and midwife at Red Tent Midwives. Archives
July 2020
Categories |