SimplyBorn COVID-19 Updates
While strides have been made in the fight against the coronavirus, there is still much to be done to support one another’s health and wellness. We would like to update our potential clientele on how protocols have shifted at SimplyBorn, our 2020-2021 availability, and some great resources for navigating the months ahead.
SimplyBorn Protocols
In-person clinic appointments have resumed at SimplyBorn, while virtual visits remain an option. Midwives and clients work together to decide what approach will best suit their individual needs. Telehealth lowers the risk factors for staff, providers, and clients. We continue to enforce mask-wearing in the clinical setting for our staff. We also encourage our clients to wear masks during their prenatal and postpartum appointments. Whenever possible, we encourage clients to only bring one guest to their in-person appointments; Our complementary meet and greet consultations are taking place over Zoom to minimize in-person contact.
For more information, please email us at simplyborn@yahoo.com; we are frequently updating our policies and recommendations in conjunction with the WHO and CDC guidelines in these challenging times. Please be advised that our policies are subject to change with short notice. As of October 6th, 2020, these are the parameters we are working under at SimplyBorn to protect patients, providers, and staff's health and wellbeing.
Pregnancy, Labor & Birth
With the information we have right now, pregnant individuals appear to be at greater risk for severe illness and adverse outcomes due to Covid-19 infection. This does not mean those pregnant are more likely to catch the virus, only that if they do, the incidence of a more severe infection is higher. We recommend that people follow the CDC recommendations to continue to keep themselves and their families healthy during these times. The best practice is to wear a mask when interacting with people outside your household, limit close contact with others as much as possible, wash your hands regularly and avoid situations that make physical distancing and protective measures difficult.
Clients are not required to wear a mask during their labor and birth; however, all birth team members will be wearing PPE and taking precautions. Laboring at home in the early stages is a great way to limit in-person contact and promote rest. Parents will need to streamline what they pack for the birth center or hospital – we cover all of these details and more in our Third Trimester class for clients and partners. In the event of a transfer of care, the client will be required to follow hospital guidelines.
Our current availability for SimplyBorn births…
2020:
October - Closed
November - 1 spot for birth center
December - 2 spots for birth center
2021:
January - 3 spots for birth center
February - 1 spot for birth center
March - Closed
April - Closed
May - 2 home birth spots; 4 birth center spots
June - Open
July - Open
Postpartum & Breastfeeding
We recommend the same precautions of limiting contact with others, physically distancing, and using good hand hygiene regarding newborn care. Breastfeeding is appropriate and has many beneficial immune qualities for babies. Unless otherwise indicated by your healthcare provider, it is reasonable and encouraged to breastfeed your newborn. There is minimal evidence suggesting the virus can be transferred by breast milk itself.
One of the biggest challenges will be postpartum visitors. We so often advocate for the importance of communal support for new families – yet now we are having to adjust this practice. With Covid-19 in mind, it is essential to keep yourselves at low risk for infection in the ways you are able. This means no guests during the postpartum period unless they practice proper protective measures (distancing, masks, good hand hygiene) and are acting as a caregiver for you and your family. Virtual platforms like Zoom or Skype have become an important way for people to feel connected with friends and extended family. Postpartum doulas who provide in-person services can help fill in the gaps where your family would typically support you.
Resources
What better way to wade through these uncertain times than to hire a doula?! We love Brooke Elizabeth's doula services for her grounding and supportive birth energy; she offers birth and postpartum doula services. These are such an asset with limited in-person contact with providers, especially those birthing in the hospital. Check out her website for more information. Another great local resource is Ginger Blossom Doula, also offering birth and postpartum services.
Gathering with others and sharing our experiences has traditionally been how new parents cope with lifestyle shifts during the postpartum. This is still achievable while preserving health and ensuring preventative measures – look no further than online resources. Meet two of our local loves – MomsBloom MomsBloom now offers in-person postpartum support for parents, as well as a virtual community!
Childbirth education has made great strides during the pandemic across the country by moving towards virtual platforms. The lovely Raquel Knack is among the educators expanding their range of services to meet people's needs. She has been in the field for 18 years and offers virtual and in-person classes at this time. Did we mention she is also a lactation consultant?! Check out her website here for more information.
Mental Wellbeing
The Michigan state website now has a comprehensive set of resources for those suffering mentally during the pandemic. Their website helps direct people in need to the proper outlets.
Other resources for mental health and wellbeing in the Grand Rapids area are:
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services -
Offering urgent psychiatric care, inpatient, and addiction counselling and care. As a result of Covid-19, their urgent care has moved to 100% telehealth communication. For scheduling an appointment as a new patient, call 866-852-4001. Website.
Bethany DeBlaay, Limited Licensed Psychologist, LLP - Specialized in trauma counselling and somatic psychotherapy. Bethany DeBlaay currently has adapted her practice to telehealth following CDC recommendations. She now has availability for new patients for virtual sessions. Website.
Postpartum Men - This is a designated "safe space," specifically for men dealing with anxiety and depression following a child's birth. Filled with resources for self-care, community and support. Website.
If you think you might have Covid-19
Anyone in Michigan over 6 months can obtain free Covid-19 testing through their local health department. People who have had exposure to a suspected positive case, exposure to a confirmed positive case, or are asymptomatic and concerned can obtain a test.
The main symptoms to watch for in yourself, family, and friends are fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Some people may experience fatigue, body aches, runny nose, congestion, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Asymptomatic cases are often common; for this reason, it's essential to get tested if you think you may have been in contact with a positive case, regardless of if you are showing symptoms.
If you are a current client of SimplyBorn, we ask that you contact your midwifery team to report any known exposures or if you become symptomatic, this also applies to members of your household. Follow public health guidelines from your local health unit for screening and isolate until results are reported; at this time, it takes about 72 hours to receive your test results.
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The best things anyone can do right now is educate themselves, follow public health guidelines, and have compassion for others. These are challenging times, and when compounded with pregnancy, birth, and parenting it can feel all the more scary.
At SimplyBorn we want to assure all of our clients, past and present, that we see you and we will continue to do everything in our power to create a safe space for you, and your families, while continuing to provide evidence-based care through this pandemic.
