Foothills Midwifery has practice guidelines surrounding Covid precautions that will hopefully ensure people feel safe as well as still honoring the embodiment of empowered, choice-centered care.
While we do recognize the importance of higher scrutiny of protection during this time, we also want you to feel that you have options. Many people are specifically seeking out midwifery care, or out of hospital birth, to both avoid the high stakes that are being placed on pregnant people and their families during this time, along with still feeling like their values of birth are being upheld.
Homebirths
Your midwifery care team will wear masks but will not ask the birthing person to do so. Partners and other birth support team members are encouraged to wear masks but we understand that prolonged periods can be uncomfortable so are understanding if this is not preferential.
The number of people at your birth do not need to be restricted, we will try to social distance from people who are not wearing masks and encourage the family to have a limited amount of people there.
Birth Center Births
Your midwifery care team will wear masks but will not ask the birthing person to do so. The birth center is a department of health facility and a space of gathering for many people for appointments and births so anyone other than the person in labor will be asked to wear some sort of face covering.
The number of people at your birth do not need to be restricted, we will try to social distance from people who are not wearing masks and encourage the family to have a limited amount of people there.
Appointments
In-person appointments are encouraged at 10 weeks, 28 weeks, 32 weeks, 36 weeks, 37 weeks (for homebirth), 38 weeks, 40 weeks, and 41+ weeks. Appointments not at those weeks will be offered as a virtual appointment, if it is not preferred by the client to be seen virtually, an in-person appointment can be held.
While in the building, we ask that everyone wear masks or a face covering. If it is not possible to wear a face covering during appointment, an outdoor area with a patio table and chairs has been set up so clients and family members can be mask-free.
Home Visits
Your midwifery care team will wear masks but do not expect people to wear masks in their own homes, unless it is their preference to do so.
Sanitization Process
We are currently using washed sheets on the furniture that gets used with every new appointment and sanitizing with a covid-approved antiseptic produce on all surfaces that were used (handles, scales, doorknobs, light switches, equipment). The office also uses three air purifiers with UV light which is proven to reduce viral toxins in the environment.
If you have any further questions about the covid practices and guidelines that Foothills Midwifery implements, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Terah, LM, CPM
