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Learning that you’re going to become a parent is exciting, no doubt, but it also sets in fear and nervousness among parents, especially if you are first time parents. Because no matter how much you prepare for your baby’s arrival when the time comes, you are in for a few surprises. Your baby could arrive early, or you could be way past your due date. You could have minor and major unexpected complications during surgery or any other unpredictable situation that life throws at you.
We’ve all heard of scary delivery stories, and parents draw from those experiences to be well prepared for their baby’s birth. During these unprecedented times, it is especially scary to bring a child into this world. When people worldwide are taking extra precautionary measures to stay safe, parents who are expecting a baby are not just nervous about having one but keeping it safe from the virus.
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During a global pandemic, there is a lot of panic in the air. But when your baby’s due date comes closer, everything else is forgotten except for your child’s safety. All you wish for is a healthy and happy baby, and you do everything to ensure they are safe. Here is a story of how Ciara and Joey Ong prepared for their baby’s birth during a pandemic. How did they manage to have a baby during a lockdown? Read on to know more.
Joey and Ciara were excited for a new beginning, and as Ciara’s due date was coming closer, their concerns were bigger than the usual one’s parents have during delivery. Apart from worrying about whether the delivery will be normal or not, they had to prepare for their baby’s arrival amidst a global virus outbreak. With the lockdown declared, they were given guidelines to follow to avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital. They were instructed to stay home and avoid any outside contact. In case Joey had to step out, he ensured that he took the necessary precautions, including sanitizers, masks, gloves, and cleaning agents.
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Ciara received calls, texts, and emails from her near and dear ones about the concerns of finding a suitable hospital bed during a pandemic. But she was assured by the hospital that there was a separate unit dealing with COVID-19 patients, and she will be granted one room for her delivery. Ciara and Joey were keen to have the baby by normal delivery unless there was a complication that required her to opt for a C-section. Her OB-GYN instructed her that if there were signs of labor, she had to head to the delivery room and avoid the emergency room at all costs.
The day finally arrived when it was time to give birth. Because of the social distancing norms, Joey was not allowed into the delivery room, but he stayed in touch with her through a video call. Before going into the delivery room, Ciara had to fill out a questionnaire with information about the possibility of contracting the virus as a safety protocol of the hospital. After clearing the necessary tests and filling out forms, she was admitted into the delivery room, where she waited for almost 6 hours only to be dilated 2-3 cm. Ciara finally gave the doctors the go-ahead to perform a C-section and deliver the baby.
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They were kept in isolation for three nights, and the OB visited them once a day for regular check-ups. After the doctors said they could be discharged, Joey picked up the required medicines from the hospital pharmacy and was set to leave. To ensure that their newborn was safe, Joey made his own tiny face shield for his baby using materials from the hospital like a soda bottle, face tissues, surgical masks, and surgical tape. Way to go, dad!
After the discharge process was completed, Ciara and Joey headed home with their new healthy and happy baby, Joselito.
