Coronavirus: Mother who gave birth alone praises NHS for ‘positive experience’

A mother who gave birth alone during the coronavirus pandemic has praised NHS staff for taking “excellent” care of her under challenging circumstances.

Rebecca Campbell, a nurse from Chester, gave birth to a baby girl on Tuesday morning at the Countess of Chester Hospital without a birthing partner.

She was also not allowed any visits from family or friends.

She told Sky News: “I did the birth alone because my husband has a health condition which would make him high risk if he contracted coronavirus, so he cannot safely enter a hospital at this time.

“I didn’t have another suitable birthing partner as my closest friends and family are key workers.”

Ms Campbell, who is already a mum to twin boys, said while giving birth alone was not what she had envisioned, she had “such a positive experience”.

She said: “I had my own room and staff wore full PPE [Personal Protective Equipment] whenever I received any face-to-face contact.

“The NHS staff are dealing with an unprecedented health threat and working under challenging circumstances.

“During my inpatient stay they provided excellent care, treatment, emotional and physical support..

Offering some words of support for other pregnant women during the coronavirus crisis, she said: “If you are anxious about the prospect of having to birth alone this is completely rational emotion.

“I myself felt overwhelmed with anxiety… nevertheless you will find the strength to preserve and endure these overwhelming circumstances, and this heart-wrenching situation will make you realise that you are braver and stronger than you think.”

She continued: “Despite not having a birthing partner and no visitors during my inpatient stay I have a positive birthing story and I am very grateful for the support and care I received from NHS staff.”

Last week, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) warned that a shortage of midwives has worsened since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak and is likely to increase as it continues.

Gill Walton, RCM chief executive, said: “While other areas of the health service can postpone and cancel procedures, there is still an ongoing need for maternity services.

“Women are still pregnant, still having babies, and they need the care and support of properly resourced maternity services.”

Meanwhile, a petition to protect the right for women to have a birthing partner during the coronavirus pandemic has gained nearly 400,000 signatures at time of writing.

(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: Mother who gave birth alone praises NHS for ‘positive experience’