‘I went into the hospital alone – I was in tears’
LYNSEY HOPE, 39, LIVES IN WEST MALLING, KENT, WITH HER HUSBAND NICK AND THEIR CHILDREN JACOB, FIVE, OLIVE, THREE, AND IVY, WHO WAS BORN ON 16 APRIL. SHE SAYS,
“When I first took a pregnancy test last August, I wanted to make the most of those 40 weeks, as I know how quickly the time flies.
“But then coronavirus hit – a newborn baby was diagnosed in London and, along with the over-70s, pregnant women were added to the list of those most at risk. Soon, the entire country was placed in lockdown.
“I’d already had my scans with Nick by my side before, and then women were warned to attend them alone. I’m relieved this never happened to me. Having suffered two miscarriages in the past, ultrasounds were scary.
“Being stuck indoors gave me time to worry about what would happen to my baby if I caught the virus, and how, if anyone at home showed symptoms, I’d have to go to hospital alone.
“The day after my due date, I started having contractions. I was determined to stay at home for as long as possible, so I could be with Nick, as new rules meant partners were only allowed on the ward once the mum is in active labour. But the next day he dropped me at the hospital and I went inside alone. It felt like a ghost town. I staggered along the corridor in tears, having contractions, on my own.
“The midwives wore masks, but I could see kindness in their eyes. An examination revealed I was ready for the delivery suite. I rang Nick – staff checked his temperature on the way in and he was fine. It was a relief to see him walking through the door.
“As the labour progressed, it became clear I’d need help getting the baby out, and the doctors came in wearing protective gear. They had suspected
I may need a C-section but thankfully, using forceps, Ivy was delivered around 8.30pm, weighing 9lbs 1oz.
Nick and I stayed in hospital overnight – Nick was told that if he left, he couldn’t come back, so he slept by my bed in a chair. It was so different from when my older two were born and we were surrounded by family and friends. This time, it was just us. Our eldest, Jacob, was upset that he wasn’t allowed to visit his new sister. The experience was strange – but still special.
“Back at home, my parents met her through the window, which made me sad.
“And it’s been tough getting hold of newborn supplies. After searching online, and many trips to the supermarket, we finally got hold of some nappies, and Calpol is like gold dust. Thankfully I have lots of mum friends who are willing to share, and have been dropping bits off on my doorstep.
“These are testing times for pregnant women, but if there is one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that we’re tougher than we think.”