Bearing witness to a pandemic BUPA | SANITAS
Welcoming new lives
zaira villagra Midwife San José de Arica Hospital
Everything has had to be different during this time, because in normal times our patients have their partners or another close family member with them throughout their labour, who are there to support them. At times of pain such as this, which is of course a natural part of childbirth, they have psychological and emotional support. During the birth, having their loved ones nearby is really important. Then, when they leave the birthing suite, when you are with all the emotions of the birth of your child, it is important to be able to share that with your closest loved ones. Now it’s all different and you can’t see your family and tell them: I went through such and such last night, I felt or feel such and such. And especially when they are breastfeeding they are worried the baby isn’t feeding properly and have lots of little questions and worries that they need advice on and need listening to. Now, the partners come onto the ward only at the moment of birth, and that is the only time they are physically present.
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