Since The World Health Organization declared coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic, almost 1,100 babies have been born at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.
While there have been some changes to the way the services are provided, the maternity team have been working hard to remain very much business as usual and keep things as normal as possible for their patients.
However there are concerns that some pregnant women who are worried about their pregnancy might delay coming in to hospital due to a fear of being exposed to coronavirus.
Reanna Martin a midwife at the RVI said: “We understand that this must be a really worrying time for our patients but it’s really important that any women who have concerns about their pregnancy, or if they think they are in labour, get in touch with us as soon as possible.
“Our Maternity Assessment Unit is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and we are here to support our patients and investigate any concerns they might have.”
In response to the pandemic the team have worked quickly to adapt services to support women and their families during pregnancy, labour and postnatally. Waiting areas have been rearranged to enable social distancing, protective screens are in place and the team are exploring digital solutions to help meet patient needs.
Jane Anderson, associate director of midwifery at Newcastle Hospitals said: “We recognise that it may be an incredibly stressful time for many of our women and their families, which may increase levels of worry and anxiety throughout pregnancy, labour and, of course, following the birth of your baby.
“Our services here at the Newcastle Hospitals continue to be available for you and I cannot stress enough the importance of making contact with either your community midwife or, alternatively, our maternity assessment unit, if you would like any information or advice.
“Although some elements of our service have been modified in line with national guidance and recommendation, we would urge you to make contact if you are in any way unsure or concerned. It is important to know that your maternity care is managed on an individual basis and that the safety and quality of your care is a priority for us all.”
Charlotte Kennedy, 25, from Newcastle gave birth to her daughter Eliza on Good Friday and was initially nervous about coming into hospital. She said: “I was a bit apprehensive about the birth and I wasn’t sure what to expect, I knew my Mum couldn’t be my additional birthing partner and my husband Sam couldn’t stay with me overnight after I’d given birth.
“Even though I’d had to change my birth plan I had such a positive experience. The staff were all so friendly which made me feel calm and at ease from the moment I arrived at hospital.
“I was so grateful for the compassion and patience of the midwife who delivered my baby – even though the circumstances were a little different and she was wearing PPE. Sam could stay with me until the early hours of the morning but by the time I was moved to the postnatal ward we were both ready for some sleep anyway.”
Charlotte a primary school teacher is now home with Sam and baby Eliza and settling in to life as a family of three. Charlotte continues: “Life with a newborn daughter is a far cry from how I envisaged maternity leave would be. Our parents had not expected they would be meeting their new granddaughter for the first time over video call.
“We have been enjoying going for our daily walk in the sunshine around our local area, which admittedly we had never explored in such depth before. I am grateful that my husband has been able to work from home so we have been able to enjoy much more time together as family that we otherwise would not have had.”
Charlotte hopes her positive experience can help reassure any mums to be who may be anxious about coming in to hospital: “I am so grateful to the team of midwives and all of the other staff who looked after me while I was in hospital. They made the ward such a safe and comfortable place to be. I want to thank them all for their hard work, dedication and positivity during these unprecedented times.
“When Eliza grows older, we will certainly have lots to tell her about her first few months in the world.”
