This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
When Baby Arrives in the Thick of a Pandemic ¶
Published on June 7, 2020
As I lay in the delivery room, Dr. Alex Bosire's back was turned to me, but his enthusiasm was palpable as he fidgeted with medical gadgets on a table in front of my bed. I wondered if he ever panicked.
My sister, who had given birth just days before, had shared her labor story with me, and I had resolved that children were not for me - at least, not yet. But now, here I was, four weeks pregnant, and my plans for a luxurious delivery in a private room with chefs and a post-delivery spa were quickly unraveling.
The COVID-19 pandemic had brought the world to a standstill, and Kenya was no exception. Hospitals were overwhelmed, and home deliveries became a viable option. I decided to take matters into my own hands and prepare for a home delivery, just in case.
With the help of a midwife and a doula, I set up a delivery kit and began to prepare for the arrival of my baby. But as my due date drew near, I couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty and fear. Would I be able to deliver safely at home, or would I have to resort to a hospital, where the risk of infection was high?
As I navigated the challenges of pregnancy during a pandemic, I realized that I was not alone. Many mothers around the world were facing similar challenges, and it was a testament to the resilience and determination of women everywhere.
My baby arrived a few days later, and it was a moment of pure joy and relief. But the journey to that moment was not without its challenges, and I was grateful for the support of my loved ones and the medical professionals who helped me through it.
