Birth story - Bonita and baby boy

At 41 weeks and 3 days my gynae scheduled an induction. I was hesitant but was very tired and heavy with my pregnancy and with the daily changes of the protocol on coronavirus I went ahead with it. 

On Friday 3rd April we arrived at the hospital and my husband was able to come in with me. We had to be screened and wear masks. 

We were directed into the labor and delivery ward and put into our room. All the nurses were wearing masks, at first I felt intimidated but then realized it’s actually for our safety. 

After 14 hours of mild labour and 4 tablets that had been inserted for my cervix to ripen I was still not dilated to even one centimetre. 

The mild contractions I was having which I could barely feel, were sending my baby into distress and causing his heart rate to drop. 

The decision was made by my gynae to have a c section. My husband and I had a few hours to talk about it and feel comfortable. 

I was walked down to the theatre room feeling scared and a bit of a failure for not being able to go through natural birth. 

As I sat on the operating table, the nurses were kind and gentle with me, even with masks I felt secure. 

I went into my mind and tuned into all my hypnobirthing breathing and visualizations while the epidural was administered. 

My husband came into the room to hold my hand and the procedure began. 

I kept my eyes closed and carried on with my breathing and positive affirmations. 

Then I heard my baby cry and saw my husbands face filled with tears. They placed my perfect baby on my chest. I remember feeling numb from my waist down and having an IV in my right hand so didn’t want to move but I could feel the tears rolling down my face. 

Inside the hospital I felt as if I was in a bubble away from the world and the Covid- 19 chaos. All my care and focus was about me and my new baby. 

We got released from the hospital earlier than usual because they wanted people to be home, which was another good thing because my mom was waiting for us as she wasn’t allowed to come to the hospital. 

My birth story was far from what I had hoped for or planned but it all worked out fine and I have a very healthy happy beautiful baby boy. 

Don’t let the fear and world chaos about this virus ruin what is one of the most incredible and intense experiences you will ever go through as a woman.