As an expectant mother at 34 weeks of a high-risk pregnancy, I am extremely concerned that some hospitals in New Jersey (as well as all over the United States) are choosing to not allow mothers to have any birth support with them, specifically for me, Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick, NJ. We have a doula hired that has been working with my significant other and I throughout most of my pregnancy to provide us with proper emotional and informational support. I was recently told she is not allowed in since she is a visitor and as of March 24th, 2020 my significant other is also no longer allowed. As of March 25th, 2020 per the RWJ website they have currently retracted this and are allowing one support person again, but I am still concerned they may change the policy again. There are other hospitals in New Jersey that have not retracted their strict no support policy.

Quoted from a recent doulas support letter to try to overturn the denial of doulas in hospital settings, “According to the CDC, current guidelines for COVID-19 include this specific instruction: “If restriction of all visitors is implemented, facilities can consider exceptions based on end-of-life situations or when a visitor is essential for the patient's emotional well-being and care.”

“As doulas, our clients hire us specifically to provide emotional and informational support in an unfamiliar institutional setting that carries its own well- documented and well- reported risks to birthing persons and their babies. As ACOG has acknowledged: “Evidence suggests that, in addition to regular nursing care, continuous one-to-one emotional support provided by support personnel, such as a doula, is associated with improved outcomes for women in labor.” COVID-19 does not change the inherent risk of giving birth in the USA, but doulas do.”

I understand there is a medical pandemic going on, but that is no reason to deny a birthing mother her natural rights to have birth support to support a healthy, safe birth. Aviva Romm, MD recently posted an excellent quote regarding this issue and has started a movement #Ideservebirthsupport. "While there is a lack of definitive evidence of increased infection risk from having a partner or doula present in labor or at birth, there is evidence of increased risk to the mother and baby from lack of adequate emotional, psychological, and physical support during labor, including longer and more painful labor, greater need for pain medication, interventions, and cesarean section. Further, lack of perinatal support is associated with greater risk of postpartum depression. These risks are further increased for people of color, who are already at higher risk of perinatal complications." 

What hospitals are trying to do contradicts the World Health Organization’s position on childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic. “All pregnant women, including those with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 have the right to high quality care before, during and after childbirth. This includes antenatal, newborn, postnatal, intrapartum and mental health care. A safe and positive childbirth experience includes: Being treated with respect and dignity; Having a companion of choice present during delivery; Clear communication by maternity staff; Appropriate pain relief strategies and Mobility in labour where possible, and birth position of choice.”

Having a birth partner/doula/any personal support makes the birth much easier and safer. For my own personal experience I do not do well with medications due to many allergies and poor reactions so I am planning to birth unmedicated. Now I and other mothers may not have support through this time when we need it most. Birthing mothers have the right of informed consent. Without a birth partner, how can any laboring mother be sure they are properly understanding their medical team to give informed consent? This now becomes a legal issue if the mother is unable to do so. The nurses and doctors at the hospital are not able to be with their patients the entire time which is why a birth partner is imperative to be able to support the birthing mother at all times when medical personnel cannot. They can also help them understand their choices and options. Not having a birth partner present also puts more of a strain on medical staff and does not help them to properly care for the patient.

In closing, I urge this matter to be reconsidered as birth support for a birthing mother is not only a human right, but crucial to the safety and well being of the mother and baby. Please sign, support and share to support birthing mothers and their rights. We have a voice and should be heard! 

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.