Translate
As part of our work to mark International Women's Day throughout the month of March, North Mid's maternity department has chosen to celebrate the resilience of mothers in overcoming the challenges of lockdown.
Being a mother and juggling work, motherhood and at times homeschooling in an uncertain environment has come with major challenges for many women. Gender inequity at work is compounded by parenting responsibilities so North Mid is looking long-term at how this inequity can be reduced.
Women who have had to give birth during the Covid-19 pandemic at North have been sharing their stories with us.
Not in my Birth Plan- Mothering in a Time of Covid
New mum Meron Efrem said: "After having my baby, I had to stay in hospital for a few days. Due to the pandemic, there was limited time when partners can visit and no opportunity for other family members to visit.
"Being a first time mum and new to motherhood, it was challenging being on my own. Being back at home, I had a good support from my partner and other family members".
Paula is a first-time mum to baby Tamara who is now 13 months old. Tamara was born on 13 February 2020. Paula said: "She was born at 34 weeks and 2 days, she was 2kg and 480 grams and spent 2 weeks in NICU in North Middlesex Hospital.
"I was lucky to have my daughter just before the first lockdown, but because she was so small, for me it was difficult to even think about going out. Instead we had to spend our time inside a small flat without a garden or balcony. That was hard but we made it.
"Also because of a traumatic birth we had trouble breastfeeding but I tried and got to have a consultation online -after that I only breastfed her."
Murielle Dauti shares her experiences of breastfeeding through last year's lockdown: "It is 9 months since I welcomed my bundle of joy. During the first lockdown I was wishing every day that she was here with me already as sometimes boredom took its toll on me. The day arrived and she was finally here!
"It was not easy and not how I planned it; she arrived 2 weeks early with an induction and via an emergency c-section. All throughout my pregnancy I prepared myself that it may happen. Having my baby and confidently breastfeeding her (as that’s the best way) was all that mattered to me.
"What I was not prepared for was the challenges that came with it. The excess weight loss after 5 days, having to resorting to formula, struggling to keep my supply up and coping with high postnatal hypertension. I was lost. I felt like I was failing my child. I could not accept that I had to feed my baby formula. I was so angry and sad at the same time. And the lack of support was just heartbreaking.
"I refused to accept not being able to breastfeed my child, so I kept on looking for advice, help and support until one phone call in September I got in contact with a great breastfeeding supporter. The importance of that face-to-face contact with the support even with restrictions, made such a difference. From then on my breastfeeding journey changed course for the better. Finding the right people and right support was what changed my life.
"It has not been an easy journey but I’m proud of what I have achieved and I have realised I am strong, resilient, determined and with the right people and support, one can overcome any challenges!"
Sonia Abrams gave birth to twins Allegra and Miles. She said: "Becoming a first time solo mum by choice during a worldwide pandemic and national lockdown was definitely not in my pregnancy story.
"It has been a bit of journey to get here and my pregnancy and maternity leave were not at all what I expected. However lockdown forced me to slow down and nest. I also discovered that I am quite resourceful and managed to navigate the year positively despite it being far from what I imagined.
"What has been really special is the abundance of quality bonding time with my two adorable babies. I have a large circle of friends and family who would have been visiting us and wanting to hold the babies and spend time with us during these early months which is lovely and normal.
"The though of not having this for me was initially sad but the twins and I have bonded beautifully."
Norma Almeida Barbosa, is one of our Professional Midwifery Advocates (PMA) who taught a session with her baby present, sometimes stopping to breastfeed. Staff took it in their stride. and thoroughly enjoyed her baby being present. She said: "I suppose my strengths are my resilience to carry on and my ability to overcome obstacles even when, sometimes, I think I won't be able to.
"I have triumphed thanks to the valuable life lessons my mother has transmitted me. She taught me to be strong, independent, to fight for my dreams and always believe in me like she always did. And by doing that, I feel like I can keep her alive in me.
"My family, my husband, my group of friends, including my NorthMid family, have been supporting me in so many different ways and, to them, I am forever grateful.
"My family, my sweet boys, a walk in the park on a sunny day, a coffee with a friend are what keeps me going and bring a smile to my face every day."
First-time Mary Ayodeji said: "Being pregnant during a pandemic was not something I had planned for 2020. I’d imagined my first pregnancy would consist of outings with friends and family showing off my bump, attending prenatal appointments with my husband, an in-person baby shower - none of these occurred due to the UK lockdown! As such, I found 2020 to be a challenging year as a first time mother-to- be.
"My post-natal recovery was also less than ideal given the no visitors rule at my hospital.
"I believe what got me through these difficult times was a positive mindset and prayer both allowing me to remain resilient. I also repeatedly reminded myself that these times would not last forever.
"Ultimately, I’m proud of myself for surviving a less than ideal time to be pregnant and thankful for my beautiful and healthy daughter."
