A Covid 19 hospital birth | Charlotte-Rae
I met Bronté, Grobler and their little girl, Léa, at a coffee shop, where we had such a great conversation discussing their wishes and unique ideas for capturing their second baby’s birth. Of course, this was all pre-Covid 19! We were free to greet each other with hugs and enjoy the jovial atmosphere shared by groups of people drinking their cappuccinos and muffins, without even one sighting of a mask or sanitising bottle (Oh, the good old days…).
Bronté contacted me very early in her pregnancy, knowing all too well how important it is to book your birth photographer far in advance. Their first-born’s birth was beautifully captured by Marysol Blomerus, and documenting the unique memories of their second birth was top priority for the growing family.
We stayed in touch as the months passed and the pregnancy progressed, with no idea that the Covid wave was soon to hit. In mid-March a full Level 5 lockdown was implemented in South Africa. The implications of this meant a vastly different second birth-experience for this family…
Bronté was kind enough to share some of the experience that followed:
Q: When the lockdown hit and you realised that you'll be having your baby in these unprecedented times, what was the first thought that crossed your mind?
A: I was hit with a flurry of thoughts, realisations and emotions. At first I knew we had to prepare and protect our family. Keeping us healthy was a top priority. We socially distanced ourselves from everyone to make every effort count that not one of us would get this dreaded virus. Then came the realisations that my husband might not be able to attend the birth and that I would have to take this journey alone due to new hospital protocols. This down right scared me and saddened me too. But I had a great support system reassuring me that all we be ok. I even considered changing my birth plan to a home birth. The realisation that I would miss out on the fabulous celebration my family and friends had planned for our second daughter’s baby shower would have to be cancelled. The family holiday we had planned to have just before baby arrived would be cancelled. Our birth photographer wouldn’t be able to attend the birth. So many let downs, but with that came some positives too. I will always cherish the extra special time spent together as a family of three before we became a family of four.
Q: Second-time parents often share with me that their babies' birth stories were vastly different. Obviously Covid played a big role in your second baby's birth story, but what else felt different?
A: Second time round, we both had an idea of what to expect and how things would pan out for the day. We took the same birth route as our previous birth - natural with epidural. All started smoothly, contractions were coming in strong and fast. When it was time for the epidural, things took a nose dive. There were complications, which was scary in itself. Especially the look in my husband’s eyes, as neither of us knew what was happening. Thankfully, I was eventually stabilised. Hours later, we welcomed our beautiful baby girl into the world.
Q: Has there been any hidden perks to having your baby in Lockdown that ended up being a nice little surprise for your family?
A: Yes, before our second baby arrived we spent a great deal of time together as a family of three, enjoying the special time together, soaking up the last bit of time we had solely alone with our first born before we became a family of four. After our second child arrived, we have really eased into becoming parents of two and have enjoyed the slower pace of life with a newborn during this time.
Q: Did you consider changing your birth plan during the Lockdown and what made you stick with a hospital delivery?
A: Yes, I really started to consider a possible home birth instead of a hospital birth. With all the unknowns of this virus, I had to consider the safety of my family, newborn child and myself. The possibility of not being able to have my husband present at the birth really weighed heavily on me when considering my possible new birth plan. But after talking to my doctor and her answering all my questions and reassuring me, along with some medical reasons, I decided to stick to my original hospital birth plan. As long as we both tested negative for Covid, my husband could attend our daughter’s birth.
Q: What advice could you give a mom-to-be feeling anxious about her upcoming hospital delivery?
A: One thing I really tried to practice during this time was mindfulness. When I noticed my thoughts becoming negative and worried, I would acknowledge how I was feeling and what I was thinking. I would ask myself, "Can I change it?” If yes, then why worry? If no, then why worry? I tried to take each day as it came. Any questions and concerns I had I would write down and at our next ultra sound check up, I would speak to my doctor, who would update us with current information in regards to Covid and our birth plan. Talking about your feelings and concerns can really help with feelings of anxiousness. Having a plan A, B and possible C ready, can also help cover almost all your bases. For me, knowing all my options and all possible scenarios with their plans gave me peace of mind.
And so, we planned.
It was still possible to go ahead with the maternity shoot when our lockdown was eased to Level 3. With my face mask in place and my camera sanitised like never before, we managed to create some beautiful memories!
Unfortunately, this was also when we finally realised that there would be no chance for me to be allowed into the hospital during the birth. But we were adamant to still document the birth story as best we could.
As Bronté was due for an induction we could plan around the due date. I arrived at their home at 05.30am to capture the early-morning goodbyes and feelings of excitement mixed with anxiousness. Bronté gave her first born her last only-child-hug and we made for the hospital.
I geared Grobler with as much advice as I could to enable him to capture what he was able to during the labour and time in the hospital. I must say, he did a fabulous job! I then later edited these photos to complete their beautiful birth story.
After Bronté was discharged, I met them outside the hospital to document the moment that Léa met her brand in her car seat! I also joined them at home where the rest of the family - not allowed anywhere near the hospital - got to welcome baby Charlotte-Rae to the clan. I experienced an enlightening “Aha!”-moment, realising that the new COVID-19 Meet-the-Family was no less momentous and emotional. Instead, it was indeed still intimate and beautiful, even though it took place in the driveway…
It was gorgeous! And we still managed to capture the uniqueness of Charlotte-Rae’s arrival into her beautiful family, who I have grown to cherish through our time together.
Welcome to the world, Charlotte-Rae!
