current covid policy

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, some policies will be updated as new research emerges at Earth Mother Midwife, LLC. We review research regularly and will update as often as needed. We practice evidenced-based care combined with informed choice and we are regulated to be as conservative as possible to keep everyone in the practice safe. We know now that COVID-19 affects pregnant folks and babies, we are going to do our best to assure you that can keep your safe birth plan at home. Note: We are aware there are groups practicing “herd immunity” protocols. Due to the vulnerable nature of pregnant folks, your babies and our vulnerable family members, we cannot do this at this time.
 

• Call immediately if you have contact with someone with a known or suspected case of COVID-19.
• Call before appointment if you or household members have had of any symptoms of a cold, flu, stomach bug - this includes fevers, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, loss of smell or taste, vomiting, etc. Please DO NOT come into the office without speaking to your midwife about ANY symptoms that you or your family members have/had in the last week.
• Some prenatal visits will be telehealth - the exceptions to this include initial visits, visits where labs are required, 28 weeks for lab work, and late pregnancy visits (36+ weeks) - as well as any problem visits. 
• Please come to appointments alone when at all possible to reduce risk of transmission. If you need to reschedule to allow for childcare, we will help accommodate those needs, if alerted ahead of time. Partners are welcome.
• Please wash or sanitize upon arrival. Sanitizer is provided inside lobby and office, and bathroom is down the hall if you prefer to wash. Note that soap and water works great, but only with 20-30 seconds of washing. 
• We ask you appropriately wear a 2-layer cloth face covering at in person appointments at the office. Current research shows that mask-wearing helps to prevent spread by approximately 60% if both people wear them. I wear to protect you, please wear to protect me (and help assure your birth can happen at home).
• Backup midwives and birth assistants may be utilized. If a midwife or assistant shows signs of illness, we will utilize backup providers, to protect you and everyone else in the practice. In some cases, this may mean that a different midwife or assistant is present at your birth. We will stay in contact to let you know of any changes. If all midwives are sick at the same time, it might mean a transfer to hospital birth. We are doing everything within our power to prevent that.
• Please prepare your home carefully for birth and any home visit. Preparation includes: thoroughly cleaning surfaces/door knobs/light switches/faucet handles prior to the home visit. For the birth (if timing allows), do the same plus: washing linens in hot water, do not allow anyone inside your home except your immediate family and those you’ve screened who will be at your birth. Anyone who goes outside the home can consider removing clothes immediately after coming home, leave shoes at the door, and wash hands thoroughly or shower.
• Your midwife and birth assistant will wear masks at all contact.
• If any members of your household are showing symptoms of illness, they should not be present for the birth, or must report to midwives and wear a mask at all times.