To the Moms in Labor Having Their Babies Alone

“A note from your friendly labor and delivery nurse during this coronavirus outbreak:

I cried today. I cried with you as you checked in, full of tears, that your family could not join you for this joyous time. It truly hurts me almost as much as it hurts you. Your mom couldn’t join you. Your other children couldn’t be here to meet their new sibling. Your sister couldn’t hold your hand for this gruesome and amazing process. I understand.

Right now, all over the nation, labor and delivery units are on strict isolation, only allowing 1 guest (and many hospitals allowing NO guests-not even the baby’s other parent) to visit during the labor, delivery, and postpartum time. These are guidelines from the CDC. We are doing this for YOU. We are doing this for your baby. This virus is spreading like a wildfire. The numbers are growing exponentially each day. We are worried about you and your baby!

Many think we are over-reacting to this. If we are, I would rather look back and say that we over-reacted than look back and have to say we did not do all we could do to protect you….that we were not prepared to keep your infant safe. In this moment, I know that it is scary. I know that it is sad. I know it must be the hardest thing in the world to feel like you are doing this alone. But that feeling is nothing compared to being isolated from your sick newborn that has contracted the virus and is now on life support. Nothing is lonelier than wondering what you could’ve done differently to save your baby’s life. The 24-48 hours here in the hospital on isolation is so small in the grand adventure that you are about to embark on. Families will be there waiting when you leave to meet your sweet new addition. They will be just as excited tomorrow as they are right now.

Please know that we hate this situation just as much as you do. We want your cheering section to be standing at the window when we open it to show off your new baby. But what we want more than anything is a healthy mom and baby. At the end of the day that is everyone’s goal and we will do everything we can to make that happen. Know that while your cheerleaders are waiting at home for the good news, we will be your biggest cheerleaders and we will do everything we can to make your experience the best it can be, even in these uncertain times we are in.”

**This post was written by Libby Dunn and originally appeared on her Facebook page.