The coronavirus crisis has turned life upside down for people across Lincolnshire, not least for new and expecting parents who are facing birth in lockdown.
Right now, antenatal classes and home births are suspended across the county. Some early appointments are by phone, birthing partners cannot attend assessments and scans, and there are limitations to births too. No visitors are allowed and some women with children are facing giving birth alone due to restricted childcare.
Inside the maternity wards, whilst anxieties are high for those on the front line, masked midwives are working day and night to give women the best birthing experience possible.
Most prominently, for those bringing babies into an unfamiliar new world, the absence of friends and family can be difficult to cope with.
First time parents Rachel Wilders, 36, and partner Yu Ting Yau, 31, from Lincoln welcomed baby Robin into the world on March 25, two days into the nationwide lockdown.
“We would like to thank all the staff on the Nettleham and Bardney wards.”
“I always imagined my mum would be at hand to help and teach me how to do it,” said Rachel, who is still waiting to introduce Robin to family members.
The hardest part, she explained, was battling ‘baby blues’ amidst overwhelming national news. “For the first few nights I was awake with cold sweats and anxiety. All I could think about was the possibility of contracting COVID-19.
“I also spent the first week crying every time someone phoned or video called to meet Robin.
“My midwife assured me that I was not the only one feeling this way.
“I’m still getting upset but nowhere near as bad as the first week. We are taking it day by day and I am using breathing techniques.”
On the subject of Robin’s birth, Rachel spoke with gratitude. Her birthing plan had been completely redrawn, but her experience and thoughts of the midwifery team at Lincoln County Hospital were nothing but positive.
Baby Robin is blissfully unaware of the pandemic
She had battled gestational diabetes through her pregnancy and managed to lose a stone and a half.
Reconsidering a planned cesarian section, she was eventually induced and, at that time, her partner Yau was permitted to be by her side.
“I would like to thank all the staff on the Nettleham and Barney wards. You are all amazing,” she said.
“Yau has also been amazing throughout and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him.”
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Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
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P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!