Your life and career have been turned upside down in the last few weeks. Please make sure that you are taking care of yourself during the stress that is continually mounting. Check in on yourself and try to find a balance the best you can.

You are serving women and families who are experiencing pregnancy at a time unlike any other they have known. They are turning to you for reassurance and comfort, which can be hard to provide. They are nervous about social distancing, possibly laboring without their significant other, and the chance of being separated from their newborn due to COVID-19. With all of this weighing heavy on them - and you, we wanted to take a minute to share with you ways you can send your patients home feeling more connected to their babies and families.

COVID-19: How to Comfort Your Pregnant Patients

Listen to Birth Plans

Listen without judgment. Your patients are feeling as if they cannot control anything right now; by giving them your time to hear their wishes, you are granting them a chance to feel in control.

Open Your E-mail

There are more questions than answers right now, but you will be the one they turn to and ask. Instead of flooding your phone lines, create an e-mail account for your patients to contact you with their fears or worries. You can sort through the e-mails from home.

Record Heartbeats

My Baby’s Heartbeat Bears can hold 20 seconds of a recorded heartbeat that can be heard again and again. This simple act of pressing 'record' as you perform an ultrasound or hold a doppler can allow mothers a continued connection and feeling of comfort in knowing their baby is growing strong and healthy. Heartbeat Animals can be filled with the sound of hope and joy, and they can be sent to grandparents not able to experience these moments right now. They can be mailed to family living afar or left on the doorstep of those living near.

Never has it been so important to send your patients home with something to hold on to. Stress and anxiety can negatively impact pregnancy. Take a moment to create excitement and happiness during your appointments; take a moment to record a heartbeat.