CORONAVIRUS | Having to go through labour and giving birth all alone without your husband by your side, during the movement control order (MCO), is a whole new experience for women caught in such a predicament.

Due to new hospital restrictions, expectant mothers will have to go through a whole new level of stress and anxiety as they will now have to manage everything single-handedly, as no spouse or companions are allowed in the delivery room or ward to support them as they face what is supposed to be the most significant and happiest day of their lives.

Anies Surianie Mat Daud, 27, who shared the experience through a post on her Facebook said, giving birth to her second child on March 24 at Tengku Anis Hospital in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan was far different from the time she gave birth to her first baby in 2016.

Anis Surianie said initially she felt a bit down after nurses at the health clinic told her to prepare for the strict restrictions which have been imposed by the hospital in light of concerns of Covid-19.

"When I found out that my husband will not be allowed to keep me company while I am in labour or visit me after delivery, I was upset and worried that I would not be strong enough to go through the delivery process all by myself,” she told Bernama via Facebook Messenger.

“It was indeed a struggle doing it all alone, even though it was my second delivery. You not only have to take care of yourself but the baby too. I felt adequately strong at that time, but I shed tears every time I moved... especially when I had abdominal cramps and having to deal with the postpartum afterpains,” she said.

Nevertheless, the mother of two boys was grateful she had a safe delivery and she advised other women due to give birth, to make early preparations and be well-equipped.

"If possible, bring along masks because the hospital nurse may ask you to wear one, before entering the maternity ward. Remember the doctor or nurse’s advice not to panic. Don't cry, don't scream. Pay attention to what the nurses say in the delivery room because you only have them to support you at that time.

“On that day, only a nurse was present to receive my baby. Thank God, it was a fast and easy birth and both my son and I are safe," she said.

Most importantly she said, expectant mothers must learn how to breastfeed as getting it right would help calm the baby when the mother has to take care of everything on her own.

Since sharing her experience on Facebook, Anis Surianie’s posting has garnered over 9,400 likes and 8,200 shares.

- Bernama 

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