The Jackson Safer Childbirth experience is aware that this is a challenging time for everyone, and our aim is to provide the most accurate and updated information for parents and parents-to-be.

The Jackson Safer Childbirth Experience (JSCE) is monitoring the circumstances surrounding COVID-19.  Recommendations are changing rapidly as well as what we learn about the virus. We want our community to know that we are here working hard to remain up to date and keeping people informed. 

Here are a few things we want to share—

Our work continues.

We will continue to the work of ensuring Jackson, MS is one of the safest places to give birth. Our goals are the same—safely reducing preventable cesarean sections, decreasing adverse maternal health outcomes associated with cardiovascular disease, enabling community-based support to pregnant and postpartum women through specially trained doulas and collecting and disseminating data.

With this in mind, we realize the presence of COVID-19 requires we proceed with flexibility and maintenance of evidence based guidance.

Doulas

Although hospital policies are changing frequently regarding who can accompany pregnant people to delivery, we know the work of doulas is still valuable.

Recent guidance from the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) states that:

“Doulas are not visitors and should not be blocked from caring for patients in the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum period. Most doulas have been contracted by patients’ weeks to months ahead of time and have established provider relationships. They are recognized by AWHONN and ACOG as essential personnel and part of the maternity care team…”, AWHONN member Nancy Travis, MS, BSN, RN, BC, CPN, CBC, Florida Section Chair.

The doulas we contract with are still providing services and here is how they have adpated:

• Providing virtual visits. These are interactions that utilize Zoom, FaceTime, or other phone applications for primarily prenatal and postpartum care. If face to face time is needed, we recommend following every safety protocol recommended by the CDC to ensure the safest engagement possible;

• Monitoring hospital policies. The Jackson metro area has six labor and delivery units. Our doulas are monitoring each of their policies as their clients prepare for birth. They are also working with families to plan for various birth scenarios.

• Continue to support breastfeeding. They are aware of current breastfeeding guidelines for those diagnosed with COVID-19 and can link moms to local resources for breastfeeding support.