COVID-19 Resources for Pregnancy, Birth & Baby

2020 - what a whirlwind 7 months - you’ve shaken the world as we’ve known it!

Having a baby is always filled with questions and worries but 2020 has thrown even more at us. It is so easy to get caught up in a cycle of fear and truly this cycle is not helpful to growing, birthing and raising a baby.

While things have changed in the pregnancy, birth and parenting world, the good news is that it’s still exciting bringing new life into the world!

Plus, there are plenty of resources out there to help navigate the world of pregnancy, birth and parenting, during Covid-19, written and explained in a way that won’t create unnecessary worry.

Here are our top recommendations for Covid-19 related information. As always, digest what you need but keep your focus on growing, birthing and raising your baby with as much calm, fun and health as you can.

❤️ Prenatal Education. Staying informed and expanding your knowledge of calming techniques, for pregnancy and birth, is extremely beneficial - even more so with the current climate. We cover a wide range of topics, with lots of hands on practical tools, to ensure that you’re walking into your birth with increased confidence. As expected, we also explore the specific hospital and birth centre policies, related to Covid-19, as well as the most up to date evidence on Covid-19 in relation to pregnancy, birth and baby.

Our next round of LIVE online group classes starts at the end of August. We also offer private lessons.

❤️ Evidence Based Birth. This is my go to website for all areas of birth and pregnancy information and I extend this recommendation for Covid-19. The Covid-19 specific pages includes videos, a free childbirth education course related to birthing during Covid-19, as well as the most up to date information on pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding during Covid-19. Do note that while evidence is sourced globally, it can lean towards an American focus.

❤️ Your Hospital, Birthing Centre and health care provider, guidelines and policies. Toronto health care providers who provide prenatal care, continue to offer a combination of in person and phone appointments. Each clinic has their guidelines for what gestational week in person visits should take place. Often these coincide with times when blood work, ultrasounds, and other tests, procedures and monitoring should occur.

The current policy at all Toronto area hospitals, specifies that only 1 support person can accompany a birthing parent. The majority of hospitals outline that this support person can remain with the birthing person and baby, in the postpartum unit.

Mt Sinai Hospital has opened up specific visiting hours for patients in the antenatal unit. 1 support person is able to support those in labour and the new parent and baby, on the postpartum ward.

Michael Garron Hospital, St Joseph’s Health Centre & St Michael’s Hospital continue to have only essential support people able to enter the hospital, which includes people in labour and postpartum patients.

Sunnybrook is one hospital that is NOT allowing a support person/visitor on the postpartum unit.

The Toronto Birth Centre is now allowing 3 support people during labour, exclusive of the families midwives. This includes children IF they have a dedicated support person with them.

❤️ Public Health Guidelines. Ontario and Toronto Public Health guidelines continue to recommend frequent hand washing, maintaining a 2m distance from people outside of your 10 person bubble, and wearing a mask when the 2m distance is not possible.

Keep up the amazing work - this is not an easy time but you’ve totally go whatever comes your way.

Always feel free to get in touch with any questions, big or small.