There is no arguing that pregnancy and birth are high anxiety situations. The mother at that point has more concerns than she can count. From her and her baby’s health, to the knowledge that life will never be the same again when she returns home from the hospital with her bundle of joy. That is without even factoring in the COVID19 pandemic, and how it changes everything. Now the concerns have doubled or tripled, for mothers-to-be can’t help being anxious about doctor visits and going to labor during the pandemic. We spoke to three new mothers who have given birth during the pandemic to learn all about their experience, and hopefully ease the stress of expecting mothers.
I wanted family and friends to be able to visit, but as it became clear that the pandemic made it unsafe, I was obligated to restrict the number of visitors
Pre-Birth Concerns
All three mothers had very clear concerns related to the COVID19 situation. Naturally, the common denominator was safety. “My main concern was keeping safe and away from people so we do not come into contact with the virus,” Salma Hazem said, noting the importance of social distancing. Menna Baraka agreed, explaining that safety and hygiene were her main concerns. As for Sarah Chaddad, she had family on her mind as well as the safety of her and her baby, “I was worried for our safety because I gave birth in a hospital that also deals with illnesses, not just births,” she continued, “I wanted family and friends to be able to visit, but as it became clear that the pandemic made it unsafe, I was obligated to restrict the number of visitors.”
I expected the worst, but thankfully we were lucky and none of us got sick
Birth Reality
As with much of the anxiety connected to pregnancy, the three mothers’ concerns in a way kept them safe. Yet, fortunately, those concerns never materialized into something real. “I expected the worst, but thankfully we were lucky and none of us got sick, so far,” Sarah Chaddad said. Sarah’s experience took place early on in the pandemic, so there were less precautions than there are at the moment, “masks and gloves hadn’t yet become obligatory. Nevertheless, the hospital kept everything very clean,” she explained. That was not all, Sarah was also prompted to leave the hospital sooner rather than later.
They handled everything perfectly, the place was very clean, they took care of everything and made sure the room was not crowded and clean
Menna Baraka, on the other hand, was quite relieved to see the safety precautions taken by her hospital, “they handled everything perfectly, the place was very clean, they took care of everything and made sure the room was not crowded and clean,” Menna recalled. The hospital was also quite strict when it came to the delivery room, “they refused for my husband to be with me and this stressed me out, but the doctor and nurses were helpful and supportive,” she told. As for Salma, her social distancing worked out for the best, “it was hard to stay away from people, but it turned out okay,” she explained. Her hospital also took the necessary precautions, “the nursing staff was sterilized and wearing masks, cleaning 3-4 times a day,” she continued, “only close family members joined me at the hospital. So, it was sad not having everyone I love around.” While Salma’s sadness is justified, these precautions are in place for her and her baby’s safety.
The nursing staff was sterilized and wearing masks, cleaning 3-4 times a day
Pieces of Experienced Advice
It is hard but try to stay positive, focus on doing things you love and time will pass
All three mothers mentioned being safe as their main piece of advice, and understandably so. “Please stay safe and away from everyone; it is hard but try to stay positive, focus on doing things you love and time will pass,” Salma said. Still, that is not all, and mental health is extremely important as well, “don’t let yourself get paranoid. Hospitals are supposed to be the places most often cleaned in the world,” Sarah Chaddad continued, “still, make sure that everyone who deals with you and your baby wears a mask at all times.” And finally, Menna advises expecting mothers to be careful with their hospital of choice, “choose the nearest hospital to you, go there and ask about the care provided and check the hygiene yourself,” she concluded.
Don’t let yourself get paranoid. Hospitals are supposed to be the places most often cleaned in the world