This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
On April 17th, Julia Nduati checked into Kenyatta National Hospital, her first sense of fear creeping in as she navigated the hospital's COVID-19 protocols. She had missed her last few antenatal checks due to the pandemic, but her baby was ready to make its entrance.
Julia's labour pains were intense, and she longed for the comfort of her loved ones. However, the hospital's strict rules prohibited visitors, including her husband. She was separated from other patients, and a coronavirus test was administered before being ushered into a room with instructions to remain isolated.
Despite the challenges, Julia's delivery was complication-free, thanks to the efficient care of the hospital's medical staff. Her baby girl, Davina, was born, and Julia was relieved to have her newborn safe in her arms.
However, Julia's experience was not unique. Patience Muema, another pregnant woman, had contracted COVID-19 during her last stages of pregnancy. Her baby was born at Kenyatta National Hospital, but Patience's test results were positive for the virus. The next challenge was how to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus while breastfeeding.
Doctors recommended that mothers confirmed to have the virus should always wear an N95 mask to minimize the chances of transmitting the virus to their child while breastfeeding. This is in addition to hand hygiene measures at every point of handling the baby.
Patience was transferred to Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital to continue her isolation until she tested negative. Her baby, though fine, was yet to be tested due to its young age and the risk of injury during the sampling process.
According to Grace Wang'ombe, the midwife in-charge at Kenyatta National Hospital, there are three things to expect when giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic: separation from other patients, fewer vaginal examinations, and limited hospital visits.
