Guidance issued to women due to give birth

Expectant mums in north Cumbria have been contacted with the Trust’s latest maternity guidance surrounding COVID-19.

The guidance, including various frequently asked questions has been shared with mums via the maternity notes app which is the electronic portal the Trust uses for maternity notes.

Anna Stabler, Interim Chief Nurse at North Cumbria Integrated NHS Foundation Trust said:

“We know this is a particularly worrying time for expectant and new mums so we have been making sure women can get in touch with our midwives to discuss any queries they have as well as sharing regular updates through the maternity notes app. We also have a triage service for urgent enquiries too.

“We have developed a frequently asked questions leaflet for women in our care to answer the majority of common questions we are being asked which we sent out earlier this week.”

The guidance issued includes advice on antenatal care and classes, birthing partners, postnatal care, feeding and more.

Anna adds:

“We’ve had lots of queries surrounding labour and who can come in to support expectant mums. When women attend in labour they can bring one birthing partner with them who can stay for the duration of labour. The same partner can then visit the postnatal ward but no other visitors will be permitted. If the birthing partner is displaying symptoms or isolating due to COVID-19 it would be advisable to consider an alternative birth partner. We also have procedures in place for mums who are displaying symptoms.

“We have had to make some changes to the service to ensure that we are able to maintain a good level of maternity care across the north of the county during the COVID-19 pandemic.  A very small number of expectant mothers that had been due to give birth at home or at the birthing unit in Penrith will now receive high quality care from the midwifery team at the Cumberland Infirmary or West Cumberland Hospital or depending on their circumstances.

 “Lots of babies are being born here in north Cumbria and our midwives are ready and here providing care and support to all during this special and exciting time for families.

“We would encourage expectant mums to continue to discuss their concerns with their midwife.”

The FAQ is available at: https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/application/files/8815/8590/7136/Maternity_FAQs.pdf