A New Hospital Allows Emotional Support Dogs To Visit New Mothers After Childbirth
Some New York hospitals are supporting their patients by allowing dogs to accompany them during significant life events. Northwell Health, the largest health system in New York, permits emotional support dogs to join pregnant patients in the postpartum unit for comfort.
Lisa Schavrein, an OBGYN nurse navigator at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, organizes these visits. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, noting they have 40 weeks to get ready before patients arrive.
Schavrein ensures expectant clients’ needs are met upon their arrival and manages situations requiring additional attention, such as scheduling visits for emotional support animals.
She explains that having a baby naturally causes anxiety, regardless of pre-existing conditions, so allowing emotional support animals to provide comfort is an easy decision.
Northwell Health’s program demonstrates dedication to comprehensive patient care, recognizing the therapeutic benefits of emotional support animals during the postpartum period. The initiative aims to enhance patient well-being and support mental health through familiar companionship.
Northwell’s approach emphasizes empathy and understanding, ensuring patients’ psychological and emotional needs are as important as their physical requirements.
At Lenox Hill Hospital, patients recovering from childbirth who wish to bring emotional support animals must follow specific guidelines. They must submit paperwork for their pet’s emotional support status to Lisa Schavrein before their due date. Schavrein reviews the paperwork, makes necessary arrangements, and informs hospital staff and security in advance.
Emotional support animals must be hypoallergenic to avoid discomforting other patients. Additionally, the dog must stay with the patient’s partner—not the birthing person—during their stay to ensure someone is available for potty breaks.
Due to safety concerns, emotional support animals are not allowed in the hospital’s labor and delivery area but can visit their owners in their antepartum or postpartum rooms.
Schavrein highlights the comfort these animals bring to patients, even if some ultimately choose not to bring their pets. She emphasizes that having the option provides reassurance.
Lenox Hill Hospital prioritizes patient well-being, recognizing the psychological benefits of emotional support animals postpartum while maintaining safety and comfort for everyone involved.
NATALIE REYES BURSKY
Natalie Reyes Bursky, a lawyer with a nonprofit focused on community justice, found comfort in her emotional support animal, Magita, by her side at Lenox Hill Hospital after giving birth on April 30, 2023. Natalie rescued Magita in Chile in 2011, and since then, this “super mutt” has been her loyal companion. In 2014, Natalie officially adopted Magita as her emotional support dog.
Dealing with anxiety and sadness for years, Natalie finds solace in Magita’s calm presence during life’s challenges. She believes emotional support animals provide invaluable assistance and advocates for reducing stigma around their role in people’s lives.
Natalie and her spouse, Ryan Bursky, arranged in advance for Magita to visit them at the hospital’s postpartum ward, coordinating with nurse navigator Schavrein. They hoped Magita, trained as a therapy dog, could bring stability and comfort during the challenging postpartum period.
Seeing how much Magita loved and trusted them during their hospital stay pleasantly surprised the couple. Magita’s presence brought calm to Natalie and comforted the entire family during this significant life transition.
Natalie and Ryan were taken by surprise when Natalie went into labor suddenly. She delivered their baby in less than thirty minutes, narrowly avoiding a possible car birth since it happened on a Sunday instead of a busy Monday. They rushed through New York City to get to the hospital.
Natalie had a difficult and stressful experience during the fast and intense labor. Adding to the distress, their newborn son had to be quickly admitted to the NICU due to low oxygen levels in his lungs. Natalie hadn’t expected this sudden turn of events; she had hoped for a calm birth and immediate bonding time with her baby.
After giving birth, Natalie’s emotional support dog, Magita, arrived in her postpartum room. Even though Magita didn’t have the baby with her yet, her presence provided much-needed comfort and companionship. Natalie couldn’t move much, so having Magita close by was a great comfort.
Ryan also felt reassured by Magita’s calming presence. As Magita comforted Natalie during this emotional and challenging time, Ryan found solace in her support as well.
Throughout their difficult days in the NICU, having Magita in the hospital room, lying next to Natalie on a blanket, provided significant comfort and security for both Natalie and Ryan.
During the hectic hospital routines, Ryan found comfort and a sense of normalcy with Magita by his side. Having someone familiar around during such a chaotic time was reassuring for him.
While at the hospital, Magita got acquainted with her new baby brother. Ryan and Natalie made sure the baby’s blankets and hats were placed near Magita so she could get used to his scent. When they finally met, the introductions went smoothly.
Ryan was amazed at how well Magita and the baby bonded—they quickly became good friends.
Natalie and Ryan will always remember how Magita brought joy and calmness during a challenging period. They encourage other owners of emotional support animals who are expecting a baby to consider having their animal nearby as soon as possible after delivery.
Natalie emphasized, “For anyone who has struggled with their mental health, especially now that it’s more accepted to talk about openly, having Magita there meant everything to me.”
