TAMPA, Fla. — The birth of a child is typically a milestone moment shared by spouses, family members, and loved ones.
Now, like so many other pivotal moments, the coronavirus is robbing some expectant moms of sharing the birth of their child with visitors.
Some New York hospitals recently started restricting spouses, partners, and other visitors from labor and delivery rooms to avoid the potential spread of the coronavirus. The move sparked outrage and an online petition to safeguard the right of all laboring people to have support took off.
However, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo stepped in a few days later to ensure women will not be forced to give birth alone.
With new guidelines and restrictions being released every day, Nichole Black has seen an increase in her business as a "digital doula."
Black offers emotional support for expectant moms through video-chat services.
She offers everything from preparation throughout pregnancy to actually being in the labor room via FaceTime.
"What was once an option to have virtual support is now a necessity," said Black.
Black, who's based in Tampa, has clients all over the country. She believes now amid the coronavirus pandemic, emotional support for expectant moms is critical.
"There’s this increase in anxious feelings and fear and that is something that a virtual call, spending an hour with somebody who really understands and talks you through things, helps you kind of center yourself," said Black.
Black says her biggest advice for expectant moms is to meditate and focus on positive affirmations.
At the time this article was written most Tampa Bay area hospitals are limiting visitors to one support person in labor and delivery rooms.
David Larrick with Bayfront Health St. Petersburg said, "As with all visitors at this time, significant others will be subject to the screening procedures related to COVID-19 precautions which include symptoms, exposure and travel. Anyone who is from or has traveled through New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Louisanna recently, and who is not themselves a patient, will be required to meet the 14-day self-quarantine mandate issued by the Governor of Florida prior to visiting patients at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg."
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issues statewide stay-at-home order. What does it mean?
- Model: Florida's coronavirus peak could come in early May, with hundreds of deaths daily
- Floridians onboard coronavirus-stricken cruise ship will be accepted in the state: governor
- Stimulus check calculator: See how much you'll likely be getting
- Hotlines, websites offer the latest on COVID-19
- Stay-at-home vs. shelter-in-place: Here's what they mean
- Texas family dances COVID-19 troubles away in viral 'quarantine challenge' video
FREE 10NEWS APP:
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter