By Annette Pinder
Mandy and Mike Manzella are proud new parents of WNY’s newest resident, Helena, born at Oishei Children’s in the midst of a pandemic. Like all expectant parents, they entered the hospital with a mixture of excitement and anxiety, but both agreed that their fears were allayed immediately. “We were fully screened and able to remain together to support one another the entire time. We were glad we didn’t have to wear masks in our room, but the fact that everyone else did made us feel safe.”
Many expectant parents share the same worries about how the virus might impact pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Cassie Church, Chief Nursing Officer at Oishei offers the following helpful information:
Are pregnant women at a higher risk of getting COVID-19, and can they protect themselves from getting sick? The CDC does not know if a pregnant woman has a greater chance of getting sick from COVID-19, or whether the virus can affect the health of the baby after birth. Pregnant women should protect themselves from all illnesses, including viral respiratory infections such as influenza by doing the same things as everyone else to avoid infection. This includes covering your cough (using your elbow); avoiding people who are sick; and frequent handwashing using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Can COVID-19 be passed from a pregnant woman to the fetus or newborn? To date, no infants born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, and the virus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk. There have been a small number of reported problems with pregnancy or delivery (e.g. preterm birth) in babies born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19 during their pregnancy. However, it is not clear that these outcomes were related to maternal infection.
What should I do if I am pregnant and either have or suspect that I have COVID-19? Pregnant patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should notify their physician and the hospital at which they are scheduled to deliver. Inform the obstetric unit prior to your arrival at the hospital to ensure appropriate infection control preparations are in place for your care.
Should I breastfeed if I had COVID-19? Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for most infants. Decisions regarding breastfeeding should be made with your provider. If infected, take all precautions to avoid spreading the virus to your infant, including washing your hands before touching your infant, and wearing a face mask while feeding at the breast, washing your hands before and after expressing milk, and considering having someone who is well feed your infant expressed milk. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/yxydj7sp.
Kaleida Health is limiting one designated partner or caregiver to be with moms on labor and delivery floor units. See updated information on COVID-19 at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov. Watch a video at www.buffalobaby.org.
