Birthing during a Pandemic
On July 7th, I had my fifth c-section. I was ready. I knew what to expect since this was not my first time... or so I thought. Four things were different because of Covid-19:
I had to wear a mask. I was expected to have a mask on the entire time I was in the hospital. I was required to have it on while I waited eight hours for my surgery — while also having contractions. However, it wasn’t so bad to be honest. The only time I really didn’t want it on was during my actual surgery. It was really hard to breath during a C-section after my spinal medicine. I was able to take my mask off to have an oxygen mask during surgery.
I had to take the COVID test. I literally cried when I was told that I had to take it. With all that was going on, the last thing I wanted was a q-tip jammed in my nose. I felt like I had no control in the situation. Apparently, the hospital tests every patient admitted in to the hospital. I tried to refuse the test but was informed that I would automatically be treated as a Covid-positive patient. If I tested positive, I would be separated from my baby and she would be released to a Covid-negative family member. I would also be kept on a floor with other Covid positive patients during my recovery. The thought of all of this really affected me. I couldn’t imagine not being near my baby after 9 months of anticipation. I reluctantly took the test and thank God the test was negative! My family and I have been cautious and careful so we expected a negative result. The actual test sucks but it isn’t the worst experience. They stuck the long q-tip in my nose and waited about 10 seconds. What I really didn’t like about it was that they did one nostril at a time. If you ever had to take the test for strep throat it is the equivalent — just in your nose. Once it was over, I had to wait an additional 2 hours for the results before my surgery.
I couldn’t hold my baby. My expectation is that as soon as the baby is born I can have my baby placed on my chest for skin-to-skin and start breastfeeding right away. As soon as a baby is born the first thing they look for is their mothers breast for comfort and connection. I have done skin-to-skin and breastfed while on the operating table with the birth of all of my children. Covid took this opportunity from me 🤬. The hospital was short staffed due to the Corona virus, so they didn’t allow me to do either of those things. They brought her to my cheek and that was it. I was not satisfied. I wanted to hold my baby and bond with her immediately. Not being able to take her right away was devastating to me. I was not prepared to wait to bond with my baby. Another moment during this delivery I felt like I had no control or say because of Covid-19 so I cried. They didn’t have enough staff to safely allow me to hold the baby while on the operating table. However, I was blessed that Hashim was able to take her to the recovery room and place her on his chest and bond with her until I came in. I am so blessed that I was able to have my husband in the room with me to support me and our new addition.
I couldn’t be with my family. For the first time ever I spent four days away from my children and did not see them, hug them, or kiss them. I missed my family. This was the first time my children did not meet their new sibling at the hospital. I know it was best for them and their safety. The separation from my family made this birth experience more difficult. I could hear the excitement and anticipation when we spoke on FaceTime. I couldn’t wait to get back home to hug and kiss all of my babies.
I am so happy to be back home and all together with my family. I am blessed to have the greatest support system in my family. My Mother-in-law, Pearl, flew all the way from Boston to help us with the four children. Because she came, Hashim was able to be in the hospital with me. I was at peace knowing that my children were safe and happy with their Grandmother that loves them so much. I was at peace knowing that I had my husband by my side and that he would fight for me and our baby and make sure that we were safe and protected. Things were completely different because of this pandemic. I know that we will have an amazing story to share with our daughter. Through it all. I am grateful that we are healthy and wonderful!
