COVID-19 UPDATES: 

The Ithaca Doula Collective has made some changes to how we serve the community in response to COVID-19.  Here is what you'll find here: Covid-related pregnancy and postpartum research, local community resources, safety precautions, prenatal and postpartum resources, and an intro to what in-person or virtual support might look like for you.   

IN PERSON SUPPORT: 
Governor Cuomo recently issued an executive order designating doulas as essential workers, which has given permission for doulas across NYS to attend births in the hospital. Each doula has been taking precautions to maintain their own health and safety and that of their clients.  While we are able to attend births in person, each doula may respond to this differently, based on their own specific health needs. It is important when reaching out to clarify if the doula you wish to work with is attending births in person, or only offering virtual support.  

To have a doula attend your birth in person might look like:
*Both you and your doula agreeing on the safety precautions each party is taking
*Having open dialogue about each person's health and symptoms
*A willingness to get tested for COVID as necessary 
​*Doula will change clothes coming in and going out of the birth location 
*Doulas will wear masks at births, wash hands frequently, and wear shoe covers
*Once second stage (pushing) starts, your doula will also wear gloves
​*In the hospital setting, the doula is not able to leave and come back to the birth, so there may be more virtual support until labor is established and you need them in person
*Your doula may need to register with the hospital of your choice and this practice may be different from hospital to hospital.   We encourage you to clarify with your care provider that you are bringing a doula to your birth
​*Do you have more specific questions?  Contact us! 


VIRTUAL DOULA SUPPORT: 
For those families who would prefer virtual support, here is what that might look like.  As with in person support, we encourage you to establish the specifics of your care with your particular doula.  

*Prenatal and postpartum education
*On Call Support
*Virtual doula support in the hospital, home or birth center setting 
*In home or virtual postpartum support (with proper precautions)
*Video support with labor tools and techniques
*Print/downloadable materials/tips/tricks/resources
Want to learn more?  Contact us! 

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IDC recommends that pregnant couple be extra diligent with your health at this time.  We follow NYS and CDC guidelines to maintain your safety and strongly encourage the following safety precautions:

*Wash hands for 20 seconds or longer, often- especially when you are coming back into your house.
*Stay home! If you MUST go out- it should be for essential reason, only.
*Wear a mask with you are unable to maintain a 6-10ft distance when in public. 
*Ask your provider about Telehealth prenatal sessions
*Order your groceries for curb-side pick up or delivery. (see list below of resources for this)
*When you do have to go out to public spaces or work, take your clothes off for washing, and shower when you return home.
*Do go outside for some solo-or family circle only- exercise.
*Exercise and nature are both critical for your physical and mental health.
*Remember to connect in with friends and family.
*Social distancing doesn’t mean isolating yourself. This is especially critical in the postpartum period.
*If you are noticing that you are struggling with depression or anxiety, please reach out to your health care provider.
*Here is a list of therapists who work with pregnancy and postpartum.

LOCAL RESOURCES 
Facebook Groups/Pages:
 - Tompkins COVID-19 Mutual Aid Response
 – Tompkins County COVID-19 News & Mutual Mood Relief: News & Fun & Support
 - Tompkins COVID-19 Immediate Needs
 - Ithaca Mama
 - Ithaca Chapter of Mama's Comfort Camp
 - Mutual Aid Tompkins: Parent Support Group
 - Tompkins County Delivery & Takeout Options
 - Ithaca Doula Collective 
*The Advocacy Center City of Ithaca
*Updates from Cayuga Medical Center
*Updates from Tompkins County Department of Health
*Tompkins County COVID-19 Community Resource Website
*Online Lactation Classes
*BetterHelp Professional Counseling Online
*Tompkins County Mental Health Resources GoogleDoc
*Tompkins County Resources for Parents
*Online Childbirth Classes 

WHAT THE RESEARCH IS SAYING: 
*https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 
*https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html
*https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html
*https://avivaromm.com/category/covid-19/ 
*https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/?fbclid=IwAR0Ncyovu935FEoZ11D8U46JioR3i5N_A0bR-bBb70rOxewybtccw5f3EyE
* https://lactationmatters.org/2020/03/18/ilca-statement-on-breastfeeding-and-lactation-support-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ 
*https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-identifying-the-symptoms.pdf