COVID Birth Stories

As we in the UK have been plunged into a third lockdown, conversations with expectant Mums have, unsurprisingly, turned to whether or not they themselves will be faced with bringing their little one into the world with restrictions, rules and social distancing. 

As an expectant Mum myself, this is a legitimate worry. Whilst none of us ultimately have control over our birth stories, these times give rise to heightened apprehension and additional distress that we could do without. 

The thought of potentially giving birth on my own or having my partner be told he has to leave us just a short while after welcoming our child is a million miles away from the beautiful picture I have painted for so long. 

It is for these reason that I reached out to new Mums who have experienced giving birth during the pandemic, asking them to share their stories in the hope that it will shed light, dampen anxieties and bring about a welcome relief, demonstrating that yes, we can still have a beautiful birth story, filled with love, security and happiness, despite what is happening outside of our bubble.

Here we have two shorter stories. The first from Amelia who delivered baby Connie in July 2020. As you’ll read, this was Amelia’s second birth and perhaps surprisingly, she found giving birth during a pandemic a much more calm experience!

My first (non-COVID) birth was an emergency c-section after a two day labour. I remember that the labour ward was really busy, the staff were stretched and I felt like the midwives were too busy to help me lift my baby in and out of the cot (pretty tough when you have a c-section). The ward was so busy with partners staying over, I remember trying to breastfeed with my pyjama top wide open and the lady in the bed opposite had her partner and extended family visiting. The ward was often noisy and I felt quite uncomfortable leaving my baby while I went to the toilet.

My second birth was in July and it was a planned section. I was nervous but the ward was peaceful which was reassuring. My husband waited in a separate room until the time of the operation and then was able to  stay for a couple of hours afterwards. The midwives were so helpful and helped me with my baby, the ward was so peaceful; the four beds were full but with restricted visiting it was peaceful and I felt so safe. It was my second birth so I was more relaxed, but I have to say there are some benefits of the COVID restrictions! Namely not having a very busy ward full of visitors when going through quiet a challenging time.

The second birth story comes from a mum-to-be who will be welcoming her first baby in February 2021.

Being a nurse I have been working in and out of COVID since it began. When I found out I was pregnant on the 27th of May I was told I couldn’t see any patients and didn’t for 11 weeks which played a massive part of my mental health; I struggled with being stuck in an office.

My first scan was booked privately at 8 weeks and as a result, my partner could attend. At the 12 week hospital scan, sadly my partner wasn’t allowed. This felt like a massive deal as that’s usually the happy part when you start to think about telling friends and family. We had another private scan at 16 weeks to which again, my partner was allowed to attend. This was amazing and lucky as it in between lockdowns so we were able to celebrate with family privately for the reveal - it’s a girl which is incredible!

COVID rules changed in time for our 20-week scan so my partner and I both attended the anomaly scan . He was a little disappointed that he had missed out previously but happy he could be there and it was amazing as he could actually see the baby, not just a random blob! 

All my midwife appointments had been on the phone but I am happy with that as I have been busy working. My partner had to sit outside in the car for all midwife and scans after 20 weeks. I find it sad that it takes two to tango but my partner missed out on so much, like seeing her wave and suck her thumb!

New guidance* means that my partner can be with me for the whole duration of our little girl’s birth now. Being a first time mum the situation scares me but now I try to think that there isn’t any other option and I just need to try and stay calm and see it through hoping that the midwifes are supportive.

I have one more scan at 37 weeks to see how big she is and then it’s fast approaching D day. I can’t wait! 

I’ve been on a strange journey but I’m quite proud of myself and how sane I have kept. My midwife told me there are no face-to-face antenatal classes. This worried me as my partner hasn’t got a clue what he’s let himself in for! However, we were advised to visit certain websites and watch videos together; we are going to do this just before we are due.

Being supported by family and friends has been amazing, especially my close friend who is just 3 weeks ahead of me.  We have been in touch most days keeping an eye on each other. Other, professional support is available, just not face-to-face. I am fortunate as where I work there are 4 midwifes in the next office - I very much made use of them!

I have also been very lucky as I am quite an anxious person and with this being my first baby I was so worried but my midwife and health visitor have 60 years worth of combined knowledge and skills and they have been so calming; nothing phases them. When I am worked up they have made me feel so much better. I think that knowing they have seen every issue going and that they are mega friendly which has been a massive part in keeping me stress-free.