Will I need to get a COVID-19 test
when I come in to have my baby?
At this time, Summa is screening for symptoms upon entry to the hospital and are only testing OB patients who are symptomatic or have a known exposure to someone who has COVID-19.
Who can accompany me to my labor/birth?
We are allowing one support person to attend your labor/ birth. We are also allowing attendance of certified doulas if you have hired one prior to your labor/birth. Certified doulas would be considered part of your professional birthing team and would not replace your support person. Please note that certified doulas will need to have a badge present, wear an approved mask and face shield or safety goggles.
We know and understand that support is very important for a laboring/birthing patient. If there are circumstances out of your control that causes your support person to be unable to attend your labor/birth, such as an illness, we have iPads available on the Labor & Delivery floor to FaceTime your support person during your labor/birth.
While we are not allowing professional photographers during this time, we will try our best to guide your support person in capturing those special moments.
After delivery, your support person may stay with you until you are released from the hospital.
Will I need to wear a mask while laboring?Will my support person need to wear a mask?
For your safety, please wear a mask when you arrive to the hospital. Once you are settled into your labor & delivery suite, you may remove your mask. Anytime you or your support person is leaves the room, a mask must be worn. A certified doula must be masked at all times.
*If your support person has a cough, fever of 100 ̊F or greater, respiratory symptoms or has been exposed to COVID-19, he or she will not be allowed to stay.
Are the tub rooms still available to labor in?
Yes, all 4 of our tub rooms are available, except if you are confirmed COVID-19 positive. We have a negative pressure room on the labor & delivery floor that we use for COVID-19 positive patients in labor.
If I test positive for COVID-19, will I be separated from my baby?
No, not unless you want to be. While we do talk to you about the risks and the benefits of rooming in with baby, it is your decision whether you choose for the baby to room-in with you or for baby to be in the room beside you. Either way, we do still encourage breastfeeding, chest-feeding and pumping. Your nurse will talk with you more about this and help you navigate this safely.
Can my other children visit their new sibling in the hospital?
As part of Summa’s efforts to keep our patients safe, we are currently only allowing one support person for the duration of your stay. That one support person must be the same support person throughout the stay. We understand the excitement around welcoming a new sibling and encourage video chatting with your other children. We have iPads available for you to use if one is needed.