Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
Hospitals in Iowa restrict guests, causing stress to expecting parents.
Only one designated caregiver or support is allowed, and birth coach or doulas are not permitted. As of March 25, visitors to Broadlawns Medical Center, UnityPoint Health Des lines, or MercyOne Medical Center are restricted.
Ashley Danielson and her husband Jeff are anticipating the birth of a child, according to We Are Iowa. She is 38 weeks along, and is having to adjust to sudden changes in the hospital’s guest policy. Only Jeff will be allowed to meet her baby after the birth. Family members can see the baby over video calls while in the hospital.
Dr. Neil Mandsager with MercyOne Medical Center said there are increased precautions, especially with mothers who are under investigation for the infection or have it. They will be managed differently, and everyone else is managed as they normally would.
At Unity Point, all efforts are being made to keep both mother and baby healthy. Health care providers are all required to wear masks to encourage health for everyone involved.
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