Birthing alone

[PGTips83]

Good evening all. I don't live in the UK and I'm due to give birth anytime from now. My doctor has just told me that due to the coronavirus they're restricting who's in the hospital, meaning my husband won't be allowed in the delivery room. I had to have surgery after my last birth, and if that's the case this time, he won't be allowed to visit me in those days of recovery either. I'm trying to remain calm, but of course this is so far from how I thought it was all going to go. Also, medical staff are reduced and will have minimal contact with me, so I'll be labouring solo most of the time. I'm not writing this for a pity party, but rather for words of strength from all you women warriors out there! Any words of encouragement to keep in my mind would be gratefully received.

Crikey, thinking of you! Stay strong and think of the little one and the rest of your happy lives together after this little blip x

Gosh, that is difficult. Can you be in video chat with your DH for the duration? Not sure how accessible the WiFi is.

Blimey. No advice I'm afraid but wishing you strength.

You can do this. I know it's not what you had planned or pictured, but sometimes - often, really! - the world throws things at us that aren't what we expected, and we find we can do them. And it's not even just that we get through them, but we can have experiences that are their own, positive things, unexpected but unique and wonderful in their own way. Body and mind, you can do this, I promise. Yes, at times it will be incredibly hard, because pretty much every birth is - but you can do hard things. There will be moments when you feel like you can't do it, but I promise you can do things that seem impossible. You're going to be great.

Wishing you all the very best!

That sounds so difficult, you'll do great though I'm sure of it!

Have you considered some online hypnobirthing to prepare? Some people on MN think it's a bit too hippy but I've loads of great things and it could help calm you given the circumstances.

I have to preface this with: I haven't given birth myself yet (due September) but I've been reading this really interesting book about how less interruptions from medical professionals (such as unexpectedly putting their hands inside you!) can help you get into the zone a bit and boost the oxytocin levels which will help you birth smoother.

It's worth looking into the positive birth movement too. They're UK based but have a huge variety of birth stories you can read about, some might be really helpful.

You're stronger than you think and your body was made for your. You're going to do great!

I absolutely feel for you. In the Czech Republic where I am they have just announced this too. I am only 7+5 and already terrified since it's my first delivery & I don't speak Czech.

I did see some advice for women giving birth imminently that said you should try meditation, hypnobirthing etc. before you go there and still at least try to communicate your birth plan.

My husband and I have been joking about setting up a tablet so at least we can see each other...which is permitted here.

I'm sorry. It's a bad situation