Thought of going through childbirth alone "is devastating and terrifying"

Thursday 28 January 2021

Birth partners are no longer allowed to attend theatre procedures such as c-sections, with expectant mothers also told to attend scan appointments on their own.

The decision has been made to minimise human contact during lockdown, especially within hospitals. The risk of infection has been deemed much higher in theatre.

Both the NHS and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists support women having at least one birth partner during labour and birth, even with covid restrictions in place. Having a partner present is "known to make a significant difference to the safety and wellbeing of women in childbirth", according to guidelines on the RCOG website.

Express asked Health & Social Care why Guernsey has deviated from NHS and RCOG guidance and we were not given a clear answer. However, we were told we could pose the question during the next media briefing.

"It is devastating and terrifying"

Antenatal appointments have been moved to Lukis House in the Grange and expectant mothers are being contacted to rearrange their appointments.

Health & Social Care is also asking women to attend these appointments alone and has apologised for the disappointment and upset these decisions have caused.

Express has spoken to an expectant mother, who spoke of its impact on her mental health. 

"The reasoning of there being higher risk in theatre doesn’t sit well when every other country, including the UK, is managing it," she said. 

Pictured: All antenatal appointments and pregnancy scans should be attended alone for the time being.

"My partner, and I’m sure many other birthing partners, would be happy to follow any extra precautions or guidelines whether that be wearing PPE, being tested for covid or isolation leading up to the C-section."

She agrees with the severity of the lockdown, but is concerned about the impact on those in her situation. 

"I completely understand and agree with the fast-paced lockdown but it has negatively impacted a lot of pregnant women’s mental health already, including mine."

"The idea of my partner not being there to hold my hand and support me, as well as meeting his child during the birth, is not only devastating but terrifying."

In its public statement, HSC said: "We know this news will be extremely disappointing, upsetting and even distressing for some of the expectant parents that this affects and we are very sorry for this. We appreciate how important it is to have a birth partner with you when giving birth. Hopefully this won't be for long, but we know that is no consolation to those affected."

Families with concerns are being asked to contact the Community Midwifery Team on 01481 707682.