Experience shared by Mothers who delivered during Pandemic (Covid 19)

We contacted mothers who recently delivered during this pandemic and asked them to share their experience and suggestions for mothers to be. Here is the list of few who shared their experience:

(Names were deliberately changed for privacy reasons)

Zarish, First time mom

I delivered recently in Medicsi Islamabad, they take test beforehand and report needs to be submitted before delivery, only one attendant is allowed at a time. Medicsi is taking good precautionary measures for staff and patients. Delivering during this time of pandemic has a benefit that you did not need to meet many people but also you will have to manage everything on your own

Tahmeena, First time mom

I was tested negative and delivered in PAF, Rawalpindi through C-section, experience with the hospital and staff was good. I had to change the hospital and doctor because CMH closed their OPD. I feel it was better than my last delivery as there were no extra visitors, hospital and roads were less rushy and peaceful. The only drawback was to change the hospital at last moment due to this pandemic. I would suggest mothers to be extra careful specially in last months and avoid doing any shopping and plan early about your hospital and delivery

Faiza, Third time mom

I got my test done two days before my C section was planned and tested negative. I delivered in Medicsi Islamabad and experience was good. The only drawback was only one attendant was allowed so it was either my husband or my mother but I wanted both. They have taken super precautions.

My kids were home after my c section the only thing I followed was I self-isolated myself and my new born from my other kids and their daddy for one week so that if God forbid I have anything it should not be pass on

Mehwish, First time mom

I got the test done when I was 37+ weeks pregnant and got the result via email 2 days later. I saved the test report on my and my husband’s phone. Before my next appointment I went in to labor. So, at the time of admission they asked my husband to show them the test result. I delivered in Medicsi Islamabad. Overall experience was really good.

We are first time parents and neither my mother or mother in law could accompany us in the hospital. We had no idea on how manage a new born. The nurses helped us throughout and doctors were available to answer any of our concerns. They taught me how to breastfeed. If it wasn’t for them i would have put my baby on bottle feed. No guests were allowed because of corona and that turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I was quite comfortable. •

I stopped going out a month before my delivery. I stayed home; I wouldn’t even go to the lawn for a walk. I went out once for 37+week appointment, wore mask and gloves, would keep sanitizing my gloves. When I came back home, I immediately showered. The next time I went out was for the delivery. After the delivery as well, I stay home with the baby. No family or friends are allowed to come home to meet me or the baby.

The biggest benefit I got was from my office, I was allowed to work from the moment WHO declared corona a pandemic. This helped me protect myself from any chance of getting corona. -There was no rush in the hospital. The no guest policy was a blessing, because you are so exhausted. The drawback to this situation is can’t hire help to take care of myself and the baby and can’t go to hospital for regular checkups.

Aliya, Second time mom

I delivered in April at Quaid-e-Azam International hospital, Rawalpindi. The hospital didn’t take my test then. Only temperature was checked and that was normal Alhamdulilah. Since I was clear considering the temperature but still the staff had taken full precautionary measures in fear of contracting the disease and likewise, I was conscious too. I was asked to get admitted with only one attendant for induction. Hospital had sanitizers everywhere, cleaned the room every now n then. Masks were provided. N special care for baby too. But they only kept me a day after C-sec due to the pandemic n since the hospital had a corona ward too. The ventilation and conditioning were closed due to pandemic.

Afia, Second time mom

I delivered in Hameed latif Hospital, Lahore. I was advised by my doctor a night before the scheduled date to get tested I got tested in hurry and got report next morning before I left for hospital and showed my reports after reaching the hospital. I was then taken for history and had my c-section. It was ok over all. My doctor and anaesthesiologist were too good. I was freaked out but they calmed me throughout. Financially the experience wasn’t that good. They charge but it’s not worth the money. I would suggest mothers to be to avoid outside contact. Hygiene and mask are important. Just pray. It’s all in His hands and trust your doctor too.

Zarmeena, Second time mom

(Explained by her cousin)

She was tested positive initially and every doctor/hospital refused to take the case in Islamabad, she gave the test again for confirmation. Meanwhile, she was brought to Lahore in emergency to Gangaram hospital where she had a c section and her other test came negative, she wasn’t even a corona patient.

Delivered the baby in peace. Was handled very nicely. They took so much care. Very hygiene conscious, regarding corona and otherwise. I would advise if you’re visiting your hospital before delivery, take a warm bath asap when your back home. Drawback was that we couldn’t celebrate it the way we did it on our previous born, no one could come from another city, felt very dull because of no family around.

Maria, First time mom

I wasn’t tested as it was an emergency C-Section in Aga khan university hospital, Karachi. My experience overall was too good with doctors and staff.

Use mask and take extra care before and after delivery, I felt depressed all the time due to the current pandemic situation. I was worried for myself before delivery and after delivery I am in fear of corona all the time for me and my baby. There is no peace of mind and relaxation.

Rania, First time mom

I was tested negative before delivery and delivered in AKUH. Next step was admission and induction (as all pregnancies that are not going into labour before due date are being induced due to covid as per international protocols)). My experience was amazing. My gynae consultant was the only one who touched me, did my procedure etc. She was available throughout. Their post op care is wonderful. And the nursery staff is exemplary!! They taught me everything from how to soothe my baby to changing diapers, to feeding counselling; everything. And they were available 24/7. I’m definitely opting for it again for my next baby InshaAllah.

I would advise to have mask on at all times, even during labour. Keep a sanitizer with you to use before touching baby. Make sure NO VISITORS. I can’t think of any benefit from this situation but the drawback is a constant stress of exposing myself and child to covid patients

For all the mothers going to deliver soon, if you follow certain precautions and keep yourself isolated before and after delivery you will surely overcome the current situation. Keep your spirits high, walk, breath and follow your doctor. Soon you and your baby will be fine and playing.

These are personal experiences shared by mothers and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of information

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Coronavirus