So, good news! I think there is almost no chance that partners will not be allowed in the delivery rooms and a rapid detection test is on its way which will help us to keep our delivery units safe! We highly recommend you choose one person to be your support person during the delivery and postpartum period when you and the baby are ready to leave the hospital. That support person should not be going in and out of the hospital room to protect themselves as well as the newborn. When you get home, have one person go get essential items and make sure they shower as soon as they come back and definitely before being around the baby.
Some things to start gathering in preparation for delivery, we know things are taking time to get so a head start will be important. In general, we are trying to encourage Tylenol for postpartum pain instead of Ibuprofen or Motrin. We know it is hard to find, but maybe ordering in advance will help.
#1 Vaginal delivery: Dermoplast, Preparation H, menstrual pads, Tylenol (Acetaminophen), (Ibuprofen or Motrin only if absolutely needed), Colace or stool softener
#2 Cesarean section: Belly band or postpartum support belt, Biocorneum scar cream - (available in our office), Neosporin, make sure you get a prescription from your doctor for pain medications, Colace or stool softener. Since we are trying to use less Motrin/ Ibuprofen in the age of coronavirus, you may have to rely more on narcotic medications for a few days. Menstrual pads.
#2 For Newborns: Thermometer, room fan, diapers of different sizes (size 0,1,2), different kinds of bottles, and pacifiers
#3 For Breastfeeding : Nipple shields, Lanolin, soothing gel pads, cabbage leaves, formula just in case, breast pump ( you can get a prescription from our office to submit to your insurance for this!), nursing tank tops are awesome as we head into summer as well.
#4 General: AZO or cranberry tablets, Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Tylenol (acetaminophen), hydrocortisone cream, probiotics, Colace (stool softener), Milk of Magnesia for constipation, refills on prenatal vitamins, Vitamin D and any other medications.
#5 Sleep!
A little article to let you know you are not alone!
By Dr. Leana Wen
