This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
On a day that was supposed to be filled with joy and celebration, Poonam Sharma Mathis found herself in a hospital room at Cornell, preparing to give birth to her daughter Asha amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As she lay on the operating table, Poonam's husband Kris Mathis, clad in a hazmat suit, stood by her side, trying to stay calm and focused. Their 4-year-old son Pierce was also present, albeit from a distance, as the hospital had initially prohibited partners and spouses from attending births due to the pandemic.
But as Poonam's contractions intensified, Kris was eventually allowed to join her in the delivery room, where he witnessed the birth of their daughter Asha, who weighed 7 pounds and 11 ounces.
However, the joy of the moment was short-lived, as Poonam soon found herself facing the harsh realities of giving birth during a pandemic. She was forced to wear a mask and maintain social distancing from her newborn, and was even separated from her daughter for several days as she waited for the results of her COVID-19 test.
As Poonam reflected on her experience, she spoke about the challenges of giving birth during a pandemic, including the lack of support and the trauma of being separated from her newborn. She also expressed her gratitude for the medical staff who had cared for her and her daughter, and for the opportunity to finally hold her baby in her arms.
