Giving birth alone (during coronavirus pandemic)

[MrsBBx]

I have a planned c section booked for 11th June, this will be my second baby. Our family have been self isolating since the lockdown began (myself, my partner and our 2 year old DS1). My parents have been doing the same at their house.

The plan was that my Mom would look after DS1 while my partner came into hospital with me. Unfortunately, my mom works in a school and is due back at work on 1st June. We all feel like it’s too much of a risk for my mom to come into contact with DS1 when she will be around reception aged children. As she lives with my Dad, it’s not really an option for him to help out either for the same reason. We don’t have any other family or friends that can help for various reasons.

I am really anxious about the thought of having to have a c section alone, especially with everything that’s going on atm. My partner is gutted too as he misses DS1’s birth as I ended up having to have a general anaesthetic. I just wondered if anyone else was in a similar situation?

Thanks in advance

Couldn't your mum speak to the school and explain the situation to them? They might be quite understanding. It would only be 2 weeks later she would start.

Yes I'm probably going to be in the same position. My in laws are quite elderly and my parents live 4 hours away so neither can help us out. My husband will have to look after our other two kids. I'm not even sure how this baby will be born yet as he's breech and I'm off to have an attempt at ECV on my own next week :(
No advice but solidarity!

I wish I could offer some advice to help but I can offer solidarity. We're waiting to find out if my partner will be allowed in the delivery room, as the hospital is restricting support and visitors both due to the pandemic, and the possibility of having to give birth alone is terrifying for me. This is our first so despite all the reading I've done I just don't entirely know what to expect and how to prepare without support, not to mention he'd be crushed at not being there for his son's birth. I hope you can find a way to work things out

@Natalie654321 because she is in the vulnerable category Mom hasn’t been in since the schools closed. Other members of staff have been there on a rota basis for the children of key workers. I think she feels like she can’t ask because of that. She didn’t seem keen to anyway she just said she will be back if they say she has to
I really hope she does at least mention it, but it’s not looking likely.

@Percephone It’s daunting isn’t it. I hope you can at least have a bit more clarity by knowing what type of birth to expect. The solidarity is much appreciated! Good luck with your birth.

@Camia I really hope your partner is allowed to be with you for the birth. My partner was upset that he missed our DS1’s birth last time, so he will feel even worse if it happens again.

What worries me the most is the worry that if anything happens to me (eg unexpected general anaesthetic like last time) there will be no one there to look after the baby. Obviously the midwives was doctors will, and I’m sure they will be amazing. It’s just not the same as having family around for support.

I know it varies from hospital to hospital, but my midwife said as long as partners don’t have symptoms, most hospitals are allowing birthing partners. They just aren’t allowed onto the wards afterwards. I hope that is the case with your hospital. Best of luck with your birth

Id still see if she could try if she's happy to. Our head sent an email out catagorically stating they wouldn't be forcing anyone back in if they had any reason not to. Our council is one of the four in the country to oppose the gov advice about opening though so that might away things too x