Chickpox & Doula-ing

[AmandaB]

Here is an email I got from a girl I am mentoring, unfortunately I don't have an answer but i sure some of you ladies do.

"she is having a c-section. she had recent surgery for a tumor in her uterus, so the doctor thought it best to do a section.

so here's the problem, my 6 year old, woke up with the chicken pox today. so she's home until at least next tuesday. and that also means that one or both of my other kids might be next. but i don't know when and they might not get it at all.

her c-section is scheduled for January 17th at 4pm. She has to be there two hours early. i figured that i'd get there in time for the surgery and stay in the recovery room a bit afterwards.

i just called her and cancelled a meeting that we had set up for wednesday morning. she said that i don't have to come to the section, either. but i told her that i'd be in touch.

what do you think? i'm also a bit nervous about being in the operating room with her after spending so much time with my daughter. is that an issue?"

[1stimestar]

Has the mom had chicken pox? What is the incubation period? I'd be very careful and find out.

[b'earth angel]

This would certainly be an 'issue' for me. I'd rather err on the safety side than potentially spread it to anyone else, especially a newborn. But that's just my .

Has she discussed it with her CP? I'd suggest you go that route, ask thier advice and see what the CP says.

[heathenmamaof5]

The chicken pox virus is contagious via droplets (cough/sneeze) or direct contact with a lesion. If the Mom (doula) has had the chicken pox being contagious isn't an issue. Even if she spends lots of time with daughter. I would put on clean clothes and shower before going to the csection. The incubation period is anywhere from 10-21 days. If she wants the Dr can do a blood test to check her immunity to chicken pox. Wanna send those pox my way? We don't immunize for them and I'm having a heck of a time finding a live case! I'm not saying she should or shouldn't do the birth, just giving the info.

[AussieDoula]

Chickenpox is highly contagious! In early pregnancy, chickenpox can result in a variety of problems in a newborn (including low birth weight and birth defects). The greater threat to a baby occurs when the mother develops chickenpox in the week before birth. Then it can cause a serious, life-threatening infection in a newborn.

It is also possible for people to contract chickenpox more than once (unusual but definately possible). Since it take around 48 hours for chickenpox to even show up after you have it, you have already been exposed and complications could arise for your client and her baby if you are a carrier. I have never had the outward signs of chickenpox, but I am a carrier. This means that if I am ever around people with chickenpox, I will carry it to others without even getting sick myself.

I would definately err on the side of caution and stay home (besides, your little one could probably use some pampering LOL!). It's obviously your choice though.

I wonder if mama saying you don't have to come to the cesarean is her way of saying she hopes you don't anyway? I would be quite miffed if anyone brought any chance of infection to my infant.

[AussieDoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by heathenmamaof5 If the Mom (doula) has had the chicken pox being contagious isn't an issue.

While the general rule of thumb is that you are immune after having the virus, it is entirely possible for you to get chickenpox more than once.

[doula Michele]

yes, and they are still contagious when the pox start to blister and pus.. I would be very careful!!
Actually I would probably stay away from the hospital completly.
Just my opinion.