Birth Stories & DFW Hospital Visitor Policies for COVID-19
With everything shutting down because of COVID-19, I’m sure you’re wondering how it’s going to affect your plan for birth visitors and family support. The question of whether or not you will even be able to have a photographer may not have crossed your mind yet. But as always, Birth & Life Photography has done the work for you!
I’ve researched and compiled all the local hospital systems’ current policies for visitors during your labor & delivery in this handy dandy info graphic. As the Coronavirus issue continues, I’ll be monitoring each hospital system’s visitor policy and posting updates below the info-graphic.
What I'm doing to protect you as your birth photographer
Even though Spring break has now been extended two weeks for both my kiddo and the hubby, and those flights for my dream vacay to Italy are at an all-time low... My family and I are staying put and laying low, binge-watching Golden Girls reruns on Hulu. Maybe baking homemade bread since all the stores are out.
I'll be washing hands (as usual), following the recommended guidelines, and all that jazz. A few of the hospitals are implementing a screening protocol at the door, and I'll be rocking the gloves in your delivery room (and a mask if they make me or you want me to).
If you’ve booked a birth story with Birth & Life Photography, I will count as one of your guests at delivery. If hospital policies change to only allow one visitor, services will be adjusted. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
UPDATES
Texas Health
Patients may have one visitor
Visitor must pass general health screening before entering the facility
Visitor will receive a wristband that must always be worn
Baylor Scott & White
One visitor per patient during visiting hours
We have temporarily suspended entry of those under the age of 16
MEDICAL CITY
1 support person for labor and delivery patients
Visitors must be over 16, meet screening criteria and receive an armband prior to entering the facility
UT SOUTHWESTERN
One Visitor per patient; No one under 12
All visitors, patients, and guests will be screened at designated entry points, including the Emergency Department.
March 22nd Update
Methodist Health System
Patient visitors limited to one person at at time
No visitors under the age of 18
Visitors will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19
We are reducing the number of places you can enter the hospitals. Signage will be posted to direct you to access points