Dear All,
Leadership at BBC and Jazz are monitoring local and national updates daily to help inform our decision-making related to our patients, birth workers, as well as our committed staff.
We understand that we find ourselves in stressful times for which no one has been well prepared. BBC and Jazz are doing our best to address all COVID-19 questions that arise in a timely fashion, please check back regularly for updates. Any changes related to patient care will be communicated directly to our patients in a timely way.
COVID-19 interim health and safety protocols – updated October 28, 2020:
- We are offering in-person visits of all types with appropriate social distance measures in place:
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- EVERY person entering the building for any reason will be screened for fever and COVID-19 symptoms, and is required to cover their mouth and nose with a covering or mask at all times
- Only ONE support person/family member allowed during visits
- Seating in the waiting room is limited, our staff is using alternate waiting spaces as needed to avoid crowding.
- You may wait in a vehicle and call the office when you arrive if you prefer, and our office staff will notify you when the midwife is ready to see you in the exam room.
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- When you arrive for your appointment, please call us from your vehicle or when you are a few blocks away and a staff member will complete the check-in process over the phone.
- Testing: In accordance with NYC guidelines, we encourage frequent testing of all individuals and immediate testing in the case of possible exposure or symptoms.
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- During pregnancy we will perform antibody testing upon entry to our care.
- At 38-39 weeks of pregnancy, we recommend testing of the mother and all members of the birth team, to be repeated every 5 days.
- Missing test results do not risk a person out of birth at the birth center, but recent negative test results are helpful, especially in cases of transfer to the hospital.
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LABOR AND DELIVERY at the birth center
- TWO support people are permitted during labor, birth and postpartum. This may be a mix of partner, friend, relative, doula, photographer, etc of your choosing but the total number is TWO. Please arrange childcare for any siblings as we cannot allow siblings in addition to your two support people.
- Support people will not be allowed to come and go or “switch” with other individuals during labor/birth/postpartum.
- Birthing person and support people will be screened for temperature and COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival. Any person with fever or symptoms will not be allowed to enter.
- Masks must be worn at all times by all support people. Mothers may remove their mask if it interferes with their ability to labor effectively.
- Prior to arrival the midwife team will do TELEVISIT TRIAGE to determine the best time to arrive at the birth center.
- We recommend that people bring a fresh set of clothes to wear while at the center and pack their street clothes away.
- Anyone coming to the birth center must remain in the birth/labor room with the laboring person during the duration of labor, birth and postpartum.
POSTPARTUM
- Immediate postpartum: BBC/Jazz procedures and protocol as of now stays the same. Patients should expect to be at the center for 4 to 6 hours postpartum
- Postpartum/Newborn Visits:
- Newborns need screening at 24-48 hours after birth. If your selected pediatrician cannot perform these, the newborn will be brought back to the birth center for screening. Newborns will be seen separate from any other patients in the building.
- Mother will be seen in the office during the newborn screening visit or will have a telemedicine visit within 48hrs of birth if baby is being seen by pediatrician
- 4-6 week postpartum visits will occur in person
OTHER
- All classes and group tours are being held virtually. You may tour the birth center during a prenatal appointment if you are already in our care. No public in-person tours will occur at this time.
- We offer limited COVID-19 testing at our office but will refer you to an appropriate place based on your location as needed.
The staff of BBC/Jazz understand that these are unprecedented and stressful times. If you have any questions at all you are welcome to contact the office or you may email Dr. Veridiano, at i[email protected] All information provided here is subject to change based on evolving local recommendations.
The health of our families is of utmost importance to the BBC/Jazz team.
We are committed to provide the most peaceful and positive birth experience possible under these difficult circumstances.
Thank you for trusting us with your health care.
Your BBC/Jazz health care team!