Currently in South Australia we are in a full lockdown due to a small outbreak of COVID-19. There are currently only 18 community cases, yet the whole of South Australia are in a state-wide lockdown.  What this therefore means, is that hospitals have re-instated birthing restrictions, meaning for those that go into labour during this time are only allowed ONE support person for their entire labour and postpartum stay in hospital.  This also means that children are not allowed to visit their mother or new brother or sister during the hospital stay.  I know this is a current theme around Australia, especially in NSW and VIC and it NEEDS to end. 

Birthing people are being forced to choose who they want with them at what is one of the most mentally and physically challenging time of their life. Bringing another human into this world is no small feat, and yet hospital policy is adding to the stress by taking away what should be a basic human right with only a few hours notice. 

For some people, during labour, they need the support of more than just their partner. They need their mother, their doula, their photographer or their best friend.  They need that added layer of protection and encouragement to get them through. They need someone there who knows their wants and will make sure they do everything they possibly can to help them get the birth they deserve.

Another problem with only allowing one support person, is that for the vast majority, this person will be a significant other (husband, wife, life-partner, a mother or sister etc) and they too need support. Watching someone you love go through labour can be challenging and at times frightening, so who is there to support them through the labour as well?  And this is where a second or even third support person is vital to the birth team.  Having that doula, or photographer, or even best friend to help support the family in welcoming their new addition to the world is so important to so many.  A family should be supported as a unit.

We need to consider the mental wellbeing of the birthing person and partner, not just their physical wellbeing. With postpartum depression rates rising, why are we not giving these mothers the support they so desperately want before the baby has even arrived? Imagine the outcomes you could see if they felt supported and empowered during their actual labour? By restricting their wishes, you are restricting their chance of empowerment and lowering the chance of a positive birthing experience, which we know impacts motherhood and beyond.

The majority of people cannot have the positive birth experience they want if restrictions are consistently being enforced. Giving them hope one second as restrictions are eased, and then pulling this from under them, the second there are a few new COVID cases is simply cruel.
The uncertainty around the birthing space during this time is so turbulent and pregnant people are frightened. They are more frightened of not having the people they need with them, then catching COVID itself.
We demand that this uncertainty STOPS. Where is the compassion, where is the common sense? We are not asking for a room filled with people. We are merely asking, that the person giving birth is allowed to CHOOSE who is in that room, and have their choice fulfilled. 

So this call to action is simple.  Please sign this petition if you want to see an end to birthing restrictions around Australia, and allow birthing people the basic human right of support from the people THEY want.