COVID-19 Response Update 6/8/20
Notice to families receiving Midwifery Care
Melbourne Midwifery Collective (MMC) Midwives are receiving daily updates in regard to the COVID-19 response.
We would like to advise you of the following:-
MMC will continue to provide midwifery care.
- Face-to-face antenatal visits will be minimised to reduce movement of midwives. Wherever possible Tele-health will be utilised.
- Face-to-face visits where necessary will be limited to 15 minutes to take your blood pressure and to assess your baby’s growth with the remainder of the visit via phone.
- Midwives will screen the household prior to the visit to question regarding possible COVID-19 contact or symptoms.
- During the visit midwives are required to wear eye protection (face shield or goggles) and surgical masks.
- We will bring minimal equipment into your home and will be dressed to minimise the potential to transmit infection.
- Providing homebirth. During this time midwives will be wearing the currently advised PPE which will include eye protection (face shield or goggles) and surgical masks. We request that persons other than the labouring woman wear a mask during our attendance.
- Supporting women during their hospital birth where the woman’s partner has elected not to be present for the birth. Hospitals are limiting support during labour to one person.
- Attending essential face-to-face postnatal visits and otherwise Tele-health visits during the postnatal period.
References: This information above is taken from advice given by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Coronavirus (Covid-19) https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/personal-protective-equipment-ppe-covid-19
We understand that this is a very challenging time for families; we are always available over the phone or via text for pregnancy related concerns.
We encourage you to stay informed as the situation is constantly evolving.
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
If you are concerned that you have been exposed to coronavirus or if you are feeling unwell please contact your midwife or call Coronavirus hotline
1800 675 398 (24 hours).
If one of the midwives in the group becomes unwell they will be unavailable to provide care
we want to remain well to continue to provide care – however if our workforce is unable to provide two midwives for a homebirth we will have no alternative but to transfer a woman’s care to the nearest public maternity service.
