Important Message for VWC Moms-to-be!

CHANGES TO PRENATAL APPOINTMENTS & PHYSICIAN TEAMS

Please Read  | This is not generic pandemic information. It is specific to upcoming prenatal care appointments & changes in physician care teams.

In the last week,  the number of COVID-19 cases in Virginia increased drastically. We are doing everything possible to minimize potential COVID-19 exposure to you and your unborn child. As a result, some of your future prenatal care appointments may be done virtually using our Virtual Visit platform. Decisions regarding when virtual care is appropriate in your pregnancy will be determined and communicated to you by your care team. 

In preparation for virtual care, you will need to purchase a scale to monitor your weight and a wrist blood pressure monitor. Both may be obtained at area pharmacies, many of which now are offering delivery services, as well as on Amazon.com as both items are considered medically necessary and therefore still being shipped in a timely manner. 

For your added safety, we have implemented a dedicated physician hospital deck/in-office model. Roughly one-half of our VWC doctors will see patients in our offices, while the other half will provide care in hospitals. This structure will remain in place until May 15, 2020, or possibly longer should the pandemic persist. 

We realize that it can be stressful to change from one doctor’s care to another, especially when you are pregnant, but your safety and that of your unborn child are our primary concern during these unprecedented and uncertain times. Options for virtual visits will be discussed at your next in-office appointment or, in some instances, a member of the VWC care team may call you prior to then. If your doctor of record has been assigned to the dedicated hospital care team, someone will reach out to you shortly to reschedule your appointment with another provider.  

Together, with your help and understanding, we can make a difference limiting the spread of COVID-19.

Yours in health,
The Physicians of Virginia Women’s Center

LIVE VIRTUAL  CLASSES

The Birthing Babies childbirth education classes taught by Blake Slusser, LCCE, FACCE at Virginia Women’s Center have moved to live, interactive virtual classes via Zoom. Class size is limited to allow for questions and conversation.  Register online, call/text 804-761-8008 for details.

The Prenatal Yoga class taught by Mary Jo Lowery at VWC Short Pump is moving to an online format.  For more information, email mjolowery@gmail.com.

ONLINE PREGNANCY COURSES & RESOURCES

Bon Secours Richmond Health System now offers prenatal, childbirth and breastfeeding education classes online free of charge.
Arrowbirth is an excellent online resource with lots of evidence-based (trusted!) video content for moms-to-be.
Bootcamp for New Dads New babies don’t come with owners’ manuals. Crying babies, diaper changing, and understanding mom’s emotions are new experiences for first-time fathers.
Self-care & Coping During a Pandemic