Covid-19 Thread

lachnessmomster · March 2020

@rivercitynik and @samsonator It's so hard to say if this is still going to be an issue in August. I'm mistrustful of hospitals in the first place, so if there's a suspicion that things will still be bananas, I'm strongly considering staying home. With DD, I basically did it all myself in the comfort of my own home anyway, only delivering about 2-3 minutes after arriving at the actual hospital. I know I'm capable. I didn't need that ambulance ride or a random doctor to be present for 45 seconds for something I did by myself anyway.

HOWEVER, I do get nervous when I think back to my first birth/cesarean. There's always that thought in the back of my mind that something COULD happen, but then there's also the voice that says those circumstances are the exception and that the majority of the time, our bodies know how to give birth and that it's not an emergency. It's such a hard call, but if I feel uneasy or threatened, I would rather just stay home. I'm thinking of ordering a few home birth books and reading up. I mean, it's not going to hurt to read just so I'm armed with some extra knowledge, right?

[Deleted User] · March 2020

My previous section makes me ineligible to use the birthing center - under normal circumstances anyway. And since I haven't had a vbac yet.... 🤷 Of course I would love nothing more than a smooth, quickish labor with little to no intervention - that if we didn't have to drive back and forth to the birthing center / hospital (they are very close to one another) to bring this baby out, so much the better!

I'm not worried about any particular medical care during or after the birth itself, or even immediately for the baby, it's just if things don't progress or go south, then what. You still have to get help one way or another. I know a couple moms who have had lots of babies (and most likely at least a handful of home births in there too) I will have to try and reach out somehow between now and then (except that of course one of them is due a few short weeks before me, as well!). Neither of them live close though, so it's not as if there were any emergency they could be right over.

RedBaramid · March 2020

@cornichonmam and everyone else suddenly worried about their status as "pregnant" and how it relates, I just want to calm some nerves. The UK just took their first measures and I've seen them. I just want to reassure EVERYBODY that I spend far too much time reading the research about this virus (morbid curiosity and coping mechanisms are a real beyotch) and from EVERYTHING I have found, which is admittedly little because this is a new virus, pregnant women are NOT at any more risk of developing serious complications with this virus than the rest of the population of their age group granted there are no other underlying conditions. Also at this time there is no evidence that the virus is transferred to baby in utero or that a baby contracts the virus from a sick mother at birth(you read that correct sick mothers are giving birth to healthy babies), and at the current time I am still seeing the medical community encouraging new mothers with covid to pump breast milk for their child, though it is being suggested they do not directly breast feed.

Granted this is a new virus, research is still being done at length, we're discovering new things every day.. but I just want to put out there that EVERYTHING I have read about pregnancy and this virus is that we are not any more at risk, and that we should just continue to be mindful and careful.

mrswheeler812 · March 2020

Honestly its starting to improve in other countries and they are very close to a vaccine breakthrough in Africa I think I read.I don't think this will last till may. As of right now none of my appointments will be cancelled because I am high risk before this mess so they have to see me... I work in a credit union so they wont close us down at least but my husband works in a big factory. I did read the Pregnant women are more at risk and I will include one article I've found. It looks like we've been labeled high risk just because we are susceptible to the flu and other respiratory issues because of our weakened immune system during pregnancy.
https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/managing-pregnancy-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

ziggymama06 · March 2020

Regarding timing, Trump said yesterday this could go on until July or August. And, unfortunately, I agree with him. I can't see this entire thing clearing up in a few weeks, as much as I pray it would. I think this may be our new normal for a while yet. Not to be all doom and gloom. Hoping the isolation and closures really make a difference and we see a drop off in new cases soon.

How could doctors perform the 6 week pp checkup via video? Don't they need to physically examine you and make sure you are healing properly?!

If things don't clear up for deliveries in hospitals by August, I will definitely consider delivering in the birthing center. Like @BusinessWife, the birthing center is near the hospital, but not attached - it's a ~5 min drive. For my first I'd prefer the hospital, but if there are any issues, I would totally choose the birth center.

A close friend of mine delivered her third baby at home with midwives (first two in the hospital). She had an inflatable tub set up in her bedroom. The MWs came over and guided her through her birth, cleaned up the baby, and had her and her husband lay in bed (on some protective sheets) then lay with their newborn. The MWs went downstairs and completed their paperwork and even helped straighten up her house for her, then left. She said it was such an amazing experience and she would absolutely do it again if she has any more children.

ziggymama06 · March 2020

@tyrion_ How are you doing today? Been thinking of you.

RedBaramid · March 2020

@ziggymama06 I'm on the same page you are.. ANYONE can develop a vaccine fast, it's developing one that works across all populations with all sorts of health conditions SAFELY that takes time. That testing is what will take an entire year. The Canadians are also working on something promising as far as a vaccine. What I'm hoping for is by fall we've found some more effective treatments. We may be practicing social distancing in some form or another for the rest of the year, but right now it's the most important to slow down this immediate spread and try to keep our hospitals running safely.

chrissyw0618 · March 2020

Hugs everyone. Its important to know you can be disappointed (lots of plans being cancelled), scared, anxious, and bored and still be safe. My friends and I started group video chatting yesterday, something we rarely ever do (we usually just text in the group) but we were worried with the continued isolation we'd start to get lonely. So it was nice, we talked about the same stuff as usual just with faces. My job had not moved to WFH yet, we have a meeting in 15 minutes and I believe its either going to be about that or cutting time or potentially lay offs. I'm not hourly but I won't oppose a temp pay cut if its whats needed to keep everyone employed. Our office and phones have been DRY, so it goes without saying we won't be making much if any money during this time. MH woke up with a fever so I'm trying to get him to go get seen, he has been the worst social isolationist ever. Its beyond annoying but if I'm being honest he's always had a problem staying in even studying during the bar and finals in law school. Its sad really.

gsmomplus1 · March 2020

@wednesdaygirl1019 I'm so sorry, I have really been thinking about our private SLPs during this crisis. I was a contract SLP for 8 years working hourly though the schools and I'm sure the same thing would have happened to me since schools are shut down. SLP solidarity!! Maybe you could look into teletherapy in the meantime if you really need to work?

here in NC our schools are closed, bars and restaurants are closing today at 5 pm for dine in customers. However, teachers and staff are still required to show up to an empty school at this time, meaning I still have to send my child to daycare. Although I am so grateful that my job is secure, I absolutely hate the way they are treating teachers in my county. It's like they don't 1. understand the severity of the situation and 2. don't trust us as professionals to get virtual learning prepared at home. I get it, its a crazy time and no one knows whats going on but I am pissed (especially with me being pregnant) that this is going down the way it is.

lachnessmomster · March 2020

ziggymama06 said: How could doctors perform the 6 week pp checkup via video? Don't they need to physically examine you and make sure you are healing properly?!

Not necessarily. I was physically examined after my cesarean, however, I was NOT physically examined after giving birth to DD, despite having a 2nd degree tear plus another pretty significant tear in addition to that. I think it depends on the office/practice. So, in those cases, where a physical exam is not necessary, video postpartum checkup could totally be a thing.

mrswheeler812 · March 2020

@ziggymama06
No idea either how the pp check up could be digital... I was examined and they used that appointment to check my emotional health and how I was coping. Also to draw more labs and see if my iron levels and blood count went up after my blood transfusion.

tyrion_ · March 2020

@ziggymama06 I’m ok. Keeping my exercise routine has helped a lot. I just really hope I’m able to still have my anatomy scan Friday. Just want to know he’s currently ok in there.

@mrswheeler812 are the countries that are showing improvement addressing the outbreak the Same way the US is? Otherwise, I don’t think we’d follow those same trajectories if we aren’t doing the same things.

mrswheeler812 · March 2020

@tyrion_ From what I have seen yes, Even Italy is having improvements and China has shut down their covid-19 hospitals because they arent getting any new cases.

catana15 · March 2020

I live in Washington state, which has the most cases of the virus. So things around here have gotten very crazy. Luckily I'm in the southern part of the state which is a few hours away from the biggest outbreak.

They've closed down pretty much anything that's not a grocery store or pharmacy, including salons. I actually work in Oregon which has started to close a lot of things as well. My work just cut our hours. Which is a blessing and a curse. Being a hairstylist I'm in direct contact with people so that's very scary. But I need the money and the hours to keep my medical insurance. My SO doesn't get insurance through his work. So I'm afraid I will lose my insurance from this whole thing.

I also have the feeling Oregon will be following Washington's extended closures soon and I can't afford to be unemployed. I'm very lucky the salon I work for offers PTO but I've been saving that for my time on FMLA.

And my A/S is tomorrow. It's still confirmed but they asked me not to bring anyone. My SO was very disappointed because he was looking forward to it.

Those who've talked about home birth... I wouldn't be able to do that. I live too far out in the country away from any hospital. If there were any complications I couldn't make it anywhere fast enough.

viola_mama · March 2020

@catana15 I thought I read last night that we (Oregon) were mostly shutting down starting today. Bars and dine-in restaurants for sure, at least. I didn’t realize WA was doing more extensive shutdowns than that.

I have a friend in Renton due in June, and she’s absolutely considering home birth or birthing center now. I’m guessing my insurance isn’t covering that, though.

laur84ns · March 2020

@RedBaramid Are the new UK measures that you’re referring to, the ones that were announced today re: including pregnant women in the high risk group and Boris Johnson strongly urging all pregnant women to self isolate for a period of 12 weeks? Because those measures don’t seem very reassuring to me! While they did state during the press conference that these measures are not indicative of any current knowledge of problems with a fetus/unborn baby exposed to COVID-19, they also stated that no one knows the effect that this virus could have on a woman in her 1st or 2nd trimester, since the only women who have given birth so far are women who were exposed to the virus in their 3rd trimester.

It’s the unknown that worries me! I’d feel less worried if I weren’t pregnant, since I’m an otherwise healthy woman in my 30s. I am self-isolating for the next 3 weeks while our schools and daycares are closed. (I have to be home with my 2 kids) Our work is on a skeleton staff, and a couple employees without kids have volunteered to man our desk while we are working with reduced staff. I feel very fortunate to be in this employment situation. I work in a large office building and would prefer not to have to go in. I have been washing my hands like crazy but you never know when you’re going to be faced with a stranger’s uncovered sneeze in the elevator

catana15 · March 2020

@viola_mama Oregon has just closed bars and dine-in restaurants. But Washington has closed dine-in restaurants, bars, coffee shops, food courts, barber shops, hair salons, youth sports, theaters and bowling alleys. And no gatherings of over 50 people.

I'm sorry for your friend. That would be very scary being due that soon to all this madness.

samsonator · March 2020

I'm sorry for everyone experiencing financial or impending financial hardships and uncertainties of upcoming FMLA

I hope the government gives some sort of relief.

viola_mama · March 2020

@catana15 That’s nuts, but for the best I’m sure. Not like I’m frequenting any of those places anyway at this point. I really hope you don’t lose your insurance - maybe Medicaid can pick it up? My husband is about to need a haircut pretty badly - I’d hire you to come over if we were closer to the border! 😆

charhar0820 · March 2020

I’ve been trying to avoid this thread as well.

I’m so sorry to hear those who have been effected. It’s some seriously weird times. Things in Ontario are escalating so quickly I had to take a break and just take it one minute at time. The anxiety struggle is real.

I was back to work with the school board Monday. That didn’t last long as they announced later today that they’re shutting down the deep clean operation in all schools effective the end of the day today.

They said those effected will still get paid but casuals will have to apply through the government for any sort of payment. Like an unemployment I assume?
I still have my personal business to count on at least. I have the day off tomorrow so I’ll do some stocking up of groceries and sort out my New work schedule. Everything is just so eerie. I hate having to go out. I just want to be home. There’s one case that has been confirmed close to me in our small bordering city. At a university where a couple of my clients happen to work.

In Toronto there’s 11 cases, my husband works in Hydro in Toronto. One hydro company has already been shut down.

These are frightening times to me.
I just want to gather my family and head up north in the bush somewhere to live for like a month in our own bubble.
With endless snacks.

And toilet paper.

wednesdaygirl1019 · March 2020

Thanks everyone. I'm feeling a little better today. My office is allowing therapists to come back per diem (essentially as independent contractors) but I do not feel comfortable going into other people's homes while pregnant so I am not taking that option. I am eligible for unemployment in NYS, but of course the website keeps shutting down from so many people trying to access it. My agency feels this will be a temporary lay-off and that I should be able to still get my paid family leave come August, but of course the doubt sneaks in. I am thankful that we have money saved (for maternity leave, but I guess we may have to use it sooner than we thought) and that we have family that could help us if we got into a real bind. I was the breadwinner so our finances are definitely taking a hit. The silver lining in all of this is that since I am also losing my/DH's health insurance, we can go onto the NY marketplace for health insurance that will be significantly cheaper than what we were paying before.

I am really hopeful that if people stay inside and practice social distancing that this will move through quickly and cause less devastation. Unfortunately people are stupid and think this is just something that's being blown out of proportion.

cornichonmam · March 2020

Sorry for the essay

So I had a chat with the head today and for the moment I'm going to continue to go in but I'm now even more certain that we will be told that pregnant women have to isolate at the end of this week. My students have to finish the practical for their coursework this week so they are currently all running round like headless chickens trying to get it finished. I teach Design and Technology to I currently have kids making garments, a skate board, a board game and storage units so it's pretty crazy in my class. But If they finish their practical then there are much fewer problems with me setting them work remotely.

@BusinessWife https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51925455 This is from this morning so it's pretty up to date but who knows in a few hours.

@samsonator I've just checked and thankfully it looks like I'll get paid in full for the full 12w as I have more than 4 years of service. Thankfully teachers in the UK get pretty good T&Cs. I was worried that if I was on statutory sick pay I would still have to pay for day care at full cost and I would end up out-of-pocket.

@wednesdaygirl1019 I'm really sorry that you have been laid off, I hope you can sort out your family leave.

@roo_baby We are looking at remote options, and we already have a very good online VLE (basically a website where we can create pages and set work). There has also been a lot of companies offering their online content for free.

@RedBaramid I'm not that concerned as you are right about the current evidence, I was surprised though as all last week they were saying that they were taking an evidence based approach.

@laur84ns You're concerns are entirely justtifed, and they don't know of the effects earlier in pregnancy at the moment, but they do know how other corona virus strains effect pregnancy and there aren't any specific risks.

psychobutthead · March 2020

Reading everyones posts and thoughts on home birth.
For me home birth is more terrifying then going to the hospital alone. I know I was over 9 pounds at birth and that wasnt expected. My moms other two kids were tiny and like 5 pounds at most. I got stuck and turned blue and they dislocated my arm at birth. I can still dislocate my shoulder to this day. If my mom hadn't been at a hospital for preclampsia we would have both died.
Both my kids are over 8 pounds. I just for myself cant take the chance of a baby getting stuck. I'll take my chances on the maternity ward.

I really doubt this is all going to blow over. i think its going to get much worse. If we are lucky it may be over with by August.

rivercitynik · March 2020

Thanks everyone for weighing in on my question about potentially transferring care. I think I feel a little bit better this morning than I did yesterday. The hospital I'm delivering at is currently allowing one visitor plus a doula if you have one, and the local birth centers (which luckily are covered at 100% through my insurance) are accepting transfers later than they normally would. We still have a lot of time and things are changing so fast, but at the moment I feel like I have options!

Does anyone use the app Marco Polo? I'm trying to get my friends and family on it. It's a cross between facetime and snap chat... you can send video messages (either between two people or you can set up larger groups). It's a little awkward at first but it's helping me feel more connected.

I also came across this "tool kit" (that's being update in real time) from the podcast Death, Sex, and Money (@emiliadkay you my fellow DSM fan?--it's not tagging correctly so hopefully I got your name right!). It has a lot of good ideas for getting through staying inside. Are you listening/watching/doing anything that you find helpful?

wife-and-mommy · March 2020

Our family of four is home for the foreseeable future and not planning to leave. DH is working from home and I'll figure out video sessions for about half of my caseload for next week.

[Deleted User] · March 2020

@rivercitynik a friend got me started with Marco Polo a while back, and it's pretty great! I don't use it that much lately but I think you're right it's probably a great time to get people started on it if they're not already.

kgrgreen · March 2020

@RedBaramid and any other mama they may have to go to their A/S alone:

I had mine yesterday and did go by myself. I asked the technician if I could Facetime with MH and DD. She said typically they don't but under these circumstances it is completely different and she let me. I was so relieved and she was SO sweet. So while these things are no playing out how we imagine or hope, people are doing what they can to make the moments better for us. I hope the same outcome for everyone else. Don't be afraid to ask to Facetime if you have to go in alone

older1sttime_mom2b · March 2020

Hi guys, I'm from WA state and work as a nurse. My husband got a call from his boss today that he was exposed at work to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. My husband has severe asthma so I really worry about his survivability if he gets sick.

I'm also a bit worried about getting proper nutrition with the food shortages we seem to be having. We've had to order some essentials online because it's not available in stores.

I waited so long to get pregnant (I'm 37) because I was waiting for the right time, sometimes I feel like crying because of all of this economic uncertainty. Really it seemed like an ideal time before all this, we just got our first house in 2018 and last year our income was the highest ever. I know that the economy will eventually recover from a crash, so I'm not worried about the long term....I'm worried about the near future and if we can survive mentally and physically intact.

babytimeagain · March 2020

@kgrgreen thanks for sharing about your A/S solo experience. I’m going solo next week too so DH can stay home with DD, so I’ll definitely ask them about FaceTime.

chihuahuamom11 · March 2020

@older1sttime_mom2b you are not alone in this. I feel the exact same way with all this uncertainty....my husband and I waited to become pregnant until "the right time" or "financially stable"....now all that is up in the air. I'm praying your husband doesn't get sick. While I'm still so happy that I am pregnant (and feeling this little mango kick), my complete happiness is slightly overshadowed with anxiety and fear about us getting sick and the future of giving birth to a baby, our jobs, and how long this will last. Hugs and prayers to all.

Also, my appointment for my A/S scan is next Tuesday and I called to see if the appointment is still on and any rules/regulations I need to be aware of. They said its still on and they will be checking temperatures at the door before they let us in and just to make sure we have no symptoms. My husband can join to but we both have to be symptom free and no fever.

[Deleted User] · March 2020

@older1sttime_mom2b Anxiety during pregnancy is pretty normal unfortunately, but try not to let these times stress you out even more so. We are the same age!!! My husband is a few years older than me as well, and he's a diabetic who works in hospitals. So I hear you on being concerned. at the same time, try not to beat yourself up for waiting as long as you did to get pregnant. You're lucky and blessed to be in this position at all! I have to believe that everything unfolds the way it's supposed to in some way shape or form, so I don't know if that helps at all, to trust and believe that it'll all be okay. ❤️❤️❤️ The good Lord didn't bring us this far to abandon us now! 🤣 ((((Hugs))))

ETA On the practical side, I would feel free to stock up a little bit on a few months' worth of your prenatals. That way at least you know you're covering any gaps that you may be missing in your quarantine diet. :/

ziggymama06 · March 2020

@older1sttime_mom2b I'm sorry that YH was exposed and I really hope he doesn't get sick. Is he quarantining himself from you for your protection? Will be thinking and praying for you both. I'm in the same boat in that MH and I have been together for 12 years and waited for the "perfect time" to have a baby. I'm trying to remain calm and when I get anxious just continue to tell myself that these things are out of my control and I cannot stress about what I have no control over. Stress is not good for the baby so I pray and repeat the mantra. I'll never survive if I let my anxiety take over. Stay strong mama. We will get through this.

WishesSheCouldCook · March 2020

I actually had to put in some work time today. I am a technology support coach and we are just looking into e learning for the long term. Dd has been talking in a baby voice all day and keeps asking me the same questions over and over again I’m losing my patience.

cornichonmam · March 2020

So Boris has spoken. All schools in the UK are closing for most students as of the end of the day Friday. The numbers in school will be drastically reduced and only children of key workers (healthcare etc.) and at risk children will be in school. I have so say I'm relived to have some clarification of what is happening.

They also said that the exams won't be running in May, so I don't have to worry about my older pupils being disadvantaged by my absence. We have a great online set up, and we have already got a bunch of work organised for the pupils. so I'm feeling ok about the whole situation.

riatortillaxo · March 2020

@older1sttime_mom2b I'm thinking of you and your husband ♥️ We are here for you.

maelove · March 2020

Sorry ladies I had to take some time away from social media this week due to the anxiety of it all. I am a PA and work in a hospital and have been allowed to work at home for the time being but that could change any day. DH is a firefighter/paramedic and had to work and has been exposed already probably more than once. He has severe asthma ad respiratory problems Due to being in a lot of fires so I worry about him. I’m going to catch up these next couple days but thinking of you all and your families during this difficult time. Hang in there!

maggied26 · March 2020

I'm right there will all of you. it's so hard not to feel anxious with all of this insanity. I'm fortunate enough that my job is allowing me to work from home until this all blows over (however long that should be...). Then of course, yesterday i woke up with a nagging cough and sinus congestion. I'm really hoping its just allergies or a cold since I dont have a fever but my mind has me all sorts of worried. I really hope this has all blown over by august.. This is my first pregnancy and I really dont want to have this baby at home!

tyrion_ · March 2020

@maelove My best friend is an ER PA and I have not been sleeping well with worry for her. I do appreciate what you guys do but I selfishly also want her to run away from it all. I hope this is behind us sooner rather than later. Thank you for what you do 💙

wife-and-mommy · March 2020

@kgrgreen thanks for that idea! Mine is next week and we were planning to find out gender. DH and I are both working from home and trying not to interact with anyone since we don't have to so be might stay home with the kids. We were going to find out the baby's sex so idk if we'll have the tech write it down so we can still open it together or what we'll end up doing. These are definitely crazy times.

chihuahuamom11 · March 2020

Not sure if this should be a different thread but has anyone have any thoughts on Baby Showers and timing with the whole Virus situation? I have already cancelled my gender reveal that I was planning on having next week. I was hoping to have a baby shower in June but not sure about whats going to happen now....

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