Giving birth during the national lockdown: What you should know
Centurion couple Jacques and Angelene de Beer tell Rekord about their experience delivering twins during the national lockdown.
With many moms- and dads-to-be worried about the uncertainty around welcoming their new bundle of joy during the lockdown, Rekord spoke to a Centurion couple about their experience delivering twins recently.
Angelene de Beer gave birth to a baby boy named Caden and a baby girl Inez at the Netcare Unitas Hospital in Centurion last week Tuesday.
“At this point, fathers are allowed in the delivery room about two hours after the birth,” said her husband Jacques.
“After that, we have to leave. I can only see my wife and two babies again once she’s discharged from the hospital.”
According to Jacques, all staff and visitors are required to wear masks the entire time.
“We have to wash hands constantly and hospital cleaning staff are all around wiping, washing and spraying disinfectant sprays to clean.”
Jacques, however, said the family had a very positive experience at the hospital.
“I think the hospital is handling the virus crisis well. They already implemented strict rules with regards to visitors and visiting hours. I was provided with a face mask and required to wear it at all times.”
The twins Caden and Inez were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after birth.
Jacques explained he could freely visit his babies for a while, but that they eventually implemented more strict rules.
“On the day of their birth, I was allowed unlimited visits to the NICU. But from Wednesday they informed me that we will only be allowed one person, one visit per day. No children are allowed in the hospital, not even in the labour ward. Our older son will only be able to meet his siblings once we take them home.
“Our experience was smooth sailing, but a little stressful. We didn’t know what to expect, especially when I have to drive to get to the hospital; I was never sure whether I was going to be pulled over and get into trouble. But we never stressed about getting sick or exposed to the virus in the hospital for one second. We are very satisfied with how things were handled.”
According to Netcare group medical director Dr Anchen Laubscher only so-called “birth partners” (father or another person) will be able to visit mothers at their hospitals.
“We understand that the birth of a new baby is something the whole family would like to share. However, grandparents and other family members will not be permitted to visit the mother in hospital.”
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