Reflections on Covid restrictions from a pregnant midwife
This is a stock image and is not a photo of the author of this blog.
There’s always two sides to a story. Since last week we’ve been reflecting on the different sides of the coin for parents and professionals dealing with Covid restrictions. We’d like to share these words from someone who knows what it’s like on either end: a pregnant midwife.
How is it to be working in maternity care during Covid restrictions? I think a lot of staff have felt very hurt by the #butnotmaternity campaign. As there are a lot of anxious staff with vulnerable families at home or who are vulnerable themselves – it has been hard to feel like they matter in it at all. I think all staff agree it’s a terrible position for new parents to be in: with less support from loved ones going through the perinatal period. We really do try our hardest to help patients through this as much as possible. I particularly understand it as it is affecting me personally as a pregnant woman and want so much to have that support, particularly after a traumatic time last time.
“We really do try our hardest to help patients through this as much as possible.”
Protection
But equally I do understand there is a need to protect the other patients. Pregnant women are vulnerable, but hospitals also often deal with very vulnerable babies on neighbouring neonatal care. And also to protect staff and their families and to respect that they are frightened. And perhaps that this is the only tool they have to limit the potential for it spreading through maternity. All hospitals seem to have put in different restrictions and as a parent to be I’d say they are all rubbish. I think when hospitals put those restrictions in they should also be saying what they are doing to help make it easier for those families. For example are they putting more staff into postnatal wards so there is more support when you’re tired and alone with a new baby or can they allow video calls during scans?
“Hospitals should be saying what they are doing to make it easier”
How to do it differently?
I know none of this is the same, but I honestly don’t know how it can be any different. It’s awful that people are dying on their own and that families are being split up at the most important moment in family life. But I’m not sure at the moment how it can safely be any different. And I am so sad about the impact this is having on people. I haven’t been following the campaign that closely but have heard about it through work. I am curious to know whether there are suggestions from the #butnotmaternity campaign as to how it could be done differently? I think I would have very little power within my hospital trust but I would certainly try and help make a change if there was a feasible option.
If you’re a professional who wants to know more about vicarious trauma and how to find help, click here.