Keeping moms and babies safe during COVID-19

It isn’t unusual for women who are preparing to give birth to have questions about the experience, including the hospital environment. COVID-19, however, adds another layer of questions and concerns as women wonder what is best for their baby. That’s why Lawrence + Memorial assures women that the hospital offers the safest place for delivery.

Extensive precautions are taken with every patient to prevent the spread of infection. Rooms and equipment are deeply disinfected after each patient. Our staff is trained on how best to prevent infection as well as how to provide the labor support and guidance you need during your birth. In addition, we are prepared to respond to any complications that may occur during labor and birth for both healthy women and those that have higher risk pregnancies.

When it comes to keeping babies safe, our physicians and nurses have been working closely with experts in infection prevention to create a safe environment for newborns. To limit exposure, visitors to the nursery are restricted to one support person (who is screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry to the hospital) for each delivering mother.

Healthcare staff on the units are also wearing surgical masks to limit the risk of exposure to potential asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers. We are working closely with our families and outpatient pediatricians to ensure that newborns can be discharged quickly when possible.

For more information about how Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and Yale New Haven Health are working to keep mothers and their babies safe, see our FAQs about pregnancy and delivery.