The stress of giving birth under lockdown

The stress of giving birth under lockdown

 

Having a baby is always nerve-racking – and women now have unexpected worries to contend with. New mothers share their stories of ‘incredible’ midwives, and the joy and pain of giving birth during a pandemic

The Stress of Giving Birth Under Lockdown: Helen Simmons’ Experience During the Pandemic Helen Simmons, a 28-year-old film producer from London, experienced a labor and delivery that starkly highlighted the unique challenges of giving birth during a pandemic. On the evening of March 30, exactly one week after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a nationwide lockdown, Simmons went into labor with her second child. Reflecting on the experience, Simmons wryly describes it as feeling like a “1960s-style birth,” capturing the sense of isolation and upheaval that characterized her journey. Arriving at the Royal Free Hospital with her husband, Charles, at 5:30 AM the next day, Simmons hoped for a smooth and supportive birth experience. However, the nationwide lockdown had introduced new visitor restrictions that dramatically altered their plans. The stress of giving birth under lockdown became immediately apparent as Charles was sent home due to the newly implemented visitor limitations. This policy, while crucial for public health, placed an additional layer of anxiety on expectant mothers like Simmons. With Charles sent away, Simmons faced the labor ward alone.

The stress of giving birth under lockdown was compounded by the logistical and emotional strain of being separated from her partner during such a pivotal moment. To add to the challenge, Simmons had not packed enough food for herself, which left her feeling hungry and unsettled. Charles, despite being unable to stay, made an effort to support her by dropping off some food and spending a few hours with her before being asked to leave again. This temporary reprieve was a small comfort amidst the overwhelming stress of giving birth under lockdown. The situation reflects broader experiences of many expectant parents during the pandemic. The stress of giving birth under lockdown extends beyond the physical aspects of labor; it encompasses emotional and psychological challenges as well. The absence of a partner or support person during labor can heighten feelings of vulnerability and isolation.

The pandemic’s restrictions have also led to limited support from extended family and friends, further intensifying the emotional burden on new mothers. For Simmons, the stress of giving birth under lockdown was a poignant reminder of how the pandemic has reshaped many aspects of life, including the profoundly personal experience of childbirth. The lack of personal contact and support during such a critical time underscores the broader impact of the pandemic on healthcare services and the individual experiences of those navigating these unprecedented circumstances. As we reflect on Simmons’ story, it becomes clear that the stress of giving birth under lockdown is not just a temporary inconvenience but a significant emotional and psychological challenge. The pandemic has forced many healthcare facilities to adapt rapidly, often resulting in policies that, while necessary for public health, add to the strain experienced by patients.

For expectant parents, the stress of giving birth under lockdown has highlighted the need for additional support and understanding during these challenging times. In conclusion, Helen Simmons’ experience underscores the broader implications of the pandemic on personal milestones such as childbirth. The stress of giving birth under lockdown reveals the deep emotional and logistical hurdles faced by many individuals in similar situations. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the pandemic, it is crucial to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by expectant parents, ensuring that support systems are in place to help alleviate some of the stress associated with giving birth during such unprecedented times.

For the next 10 hours, Simmons was in labour alone and Charles was relegated to a waiting room outside, like a Mad Men-era husband. It was tough. “The hardest bit of labour isn’t the pushing,” Simmons says. “It’s the contractions. And doing that alone … you don’t realise you need your partner so much, emotionally and physically, until you can’t have that person there with you.”

After a 30-hour labour, the majority of that time spent alone, their daughter, Isla, was born on 1 April at 4.40am. Charles was allowed in to watch Isla being born before being ushered out. It certainly wasn’t the birth they had hoped for or planned. Yet Simmons feels the experience meant she discovered an inner strength she hadn’t known she had. “It gave me a newfound respect for women through history,” she says.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, pregnant women across the country will be wondering how it will affect them. “It’s an anxious time for pregnant women,” says Maria Booker of the charity Birthrights. “They are concerned about whether their partner can stay with them or what the birth will be like.”

At the moment, according to official guidance, no British woman should have to give birth alone. “Visiting is restricted to help stop the spread of coronavirus,” says NHS England, “but our guidance is absolutely clear that a specific exception should be made for birthing partners when a woman is in labour.” The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) guidelines state that partners may not be able to accompany women during their induction and the early stages of labour because of physical distancing guidelines. But it adds: “At the point you go into active labour, you will be moved to your own room and your birth partner will be able to join you.” Provided, of course, they are not showing any signs of illness. No visitors are allowed post-birth.

But there is a degree of confusion about how the rules are being enforced by different trusts. Simmons spent most of her labour alone, but others have partners with them throughout. A business owner from London, Naomi Edmondson, 29, gave birth to a baby boy at St Mary’s hospital in Paddington on 31 March. Her husband, Ally, was allowed to stay with her throughout her planned C-section.

What may be noticeable to mothers giving birth, however, is that hospitals seem emptier. A recent survey by the RCM found that 20% of midwife roles are currently unfilled because of self-isolation, coronavirus or existing staff shortages. Last week, Lynsay Coventry, 54, died at the Princess Alexandra hospital in Harlow, Essex. She was the first midwife to die of Covid-19, showing the risks healthcare professionals are taking when carrying out their jobs.