What it's like having a baby during lockdown

Friday 6 August 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues across Australia many women are facing the possibility of giving birth during a lockdown while visitor restrictions are in place across the hospital.

This is a concept that may seem daunting, but as mothers who have been through it before explain Mater Mothers’ is well equipped to manage the evolving situation and there are plenty of additional support services on hand should parents need them.

Mater Mum, Louise gave birth to her third child James during the last lockdown on 5 July 2021 and said the experience was far better than what she had originally anticipated.

“I had been monitoring the COVID-19 situation throughout my pregnancy and had already been subject to snap lockdowns when going to appointments where my partner could not attend,” Louise said.

“This was ok as I knew no matter what he would be there for the birth, sure enough just before I had baby James we went into another lockdown. I was told I could have two people with me in birth suite but I felt supported by just my partner so that was fine.

“Thankfully I did not need to wear my mask in labour, but I did find it provided an extra layer of protection in the waiting room when I was having contractions and pulling faces.

“Once James was born, we were taken up to the ward where my partner was able to stay with me for the normal visiting hours. He left for the night and the midwives took amazing care of me, helping me to feed, express milk, change his nappy and get to the bathroom.”

Louise explains it was nice not to be overwhelmed with visitors and to have extra quiet time to bond with her new baby.

“I knew once I returned home life would continue as normal with the usual craziness of children who need to go to school, day care, extracurricular activities plus general chores of cleaning, meals, washing and more. It was like time stood still in the hospital,” Louise said.

“My children couldn’t visit James while he was in hospital, but my parents were wonderful; they took them on a mini-holiday which was a lovely break for us all and of course once we all returned home, they were just besotted with James.

“I would say to other mothers who are going through the same thing, not to stress. The hospital is amazing and will support you with whatever you need.”

Director of Clinical Services at Mater Mothers’ Hospital Maree Reynolds said her teams were well equipped to manage these changing rules and restrictions and had been doing extremely well for the past 18 months.

“We understand these are challenging and difficult times, but we want all our parents to know we are here to support them, they should never be afraid to reach out to their midwife should they need extra help,” Maree said.

“The hospital has additional support services available to parents while they are in hospital or after their discharge should they need extra help.”

Additional Support Services

Pastoral Care

A member of the Pastoral Care team can visit you while in hospital to provide emotional support and counselling through difficult times. They are very happy to meet with parents.

Mater Mothers’ South Brisbane – 07 3163 3920

Mater Mothers’ Redland – 07 3163 7436

Parent Aide Unit

Mater’s Parent Aide Unit is a home visiting service utilising trained volunteers (Parent Aides) who seek to improve infant-parent relationships. The program is coordinated by experienced health professionals and has an early intervention and prevention focus.

Phone – 07 3163 2234

Parenting Support Centre

Mater Mothers’ Parenting Support Centre offers early parenting support and guidance to mothers and babies up to six months after birth.

Families and women with babies born at Mater Mothers’ Hospitals across Queensland may access the service at no out of pocket expense. Self-referrals are welcome.

Our experienced team of GPs, child health nurses, lactation consultants, and allied health clinicians are available to support you through your parenting journey and provide help for issues including: