Sarah Brooks was about four months' pregnant when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold earlier this year.
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As coronavirus cases climbed in Tasmania, restrictions began to be imposed on the community, including for hospital visits.
While having scans done at hospital, Ms Brooks, whose baby is due in August, was told she may not even be able to have her husband by her side when she's in labour. But now restrictions have been loosened.
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"This has been a real weight off my shoulders finding out this policy has been changed," Ms Brooks said.
Women in Tasmania can now have an additional support person (two in total) beside them during labour.
Ms Brooks is being supported in her pregnancy journey by Krista McCrimmon, who is a doula - a support person who provides a range of services to assist families during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.
Ms McCrimmon said she saw significant anxiety in her clients once the coronavirus crisis began to intensify.
Laura Wilson - who, during her own pregnancy, was also supported by Ms McCrimmon - said having a doula to guide her gave her "a calm I didn't know I needed" and "empowered" her.
This has been a real weight off my shoulders finding out this policy has been changed.
- Sarah Brooks, expectant mother
Health Minister Sarah Courtney said allowing women in labour to have an additional person in the room with them could make "a huge difference" to their birthing experience.
"In addition to our amazing midwives and nursing staff, doulas provide care for women and families before, during and after birth, and offer guidance and information as well as physical and emotional support," she said.
Meanwhile, restrictions have, too, been lifted to allow palliative care patients to receive four visitors at one time instead of just two. If a patient is in the terminal phase of their care, nurse unit managers will use their discretion when it comes to the number of visitors allowed.
Overnight visitors - limited to one per patient - are permitted if a given facility has the capacity to accommodate them. Pets may also be able to spend time with patients, if appropriate.
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