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Patti Grandidge-Herrera On Giving Birth In A Pandemic
Thought giving birth was hard? Try giving birth during a pandemic, just like Patti Grandidge-Herrera…
Apart from the actual raising of kids, giving birth is a whole other painful ballgame. Now, imagine doing it during COVID-19 — a time full of uncertainty, extreme precaution and worry. Like many other moms in the last year, Patti Grandidge-Herrera experienced the displeasure of delivering her second child, Jed, during a pandemic. Scared as hell, she tearfully went through labor on her own. Here’s her story:
Second time’s a charm?
The first time around, Patti had the luxury of having both her birth coach and husband in the delivery room with her. She thought that it would be the more or less the same, second time around. “You know what to expect, which is comforting,” Patti shares. It was this same confidence that helped her get through her second pregnancy. “The first gives you confidence — of course, all babies are different, but it’s more relaxed because there are less unknowns.”
Giving birth during a pandemic
As confident as Patti felt, the feelings were soon displaced, no thanks to the pandemic. While getting ready for birth is already an exciting an nerve wracking time for many, adding the stress of the unknown, no thanks to the pandemic made her stressed and apprehensive.
At the beginning of the year, Patti was ecstatic to find out from both her OB and pedia that husbands were finally allowed to be present during labor and delivery. “It was such a relief, after a pregnancy of going to all appointments on my own,” Patti explains. “It was my light at the end of the tunnel.”
Unfortunately, things never go as planned — especially during a pandemic. There were rumors that the rules — as they do — were about to change again. “I wasn’t mentally prepared to be on my own, so I cried it out for a couple of days. When I was done letting it all out, it was time to prime myself for the day.” Patti says.
What it’s like
Everyone going through this pandemic is more than aware of all the changes — and in an extremely stressful situation, like giving birth — it could feel doubly troubling. “The requirements for swabs kept on changing for both mother and companion, checking on the updated protocols started to get tiresome. To add, my desire for a normal delivery meant that I could go into labor any day… To make sure my results were continuously valid, Jon and I had to take tests starting at 37 weeks. The extra expense of this adds up,” shares Patti.
Patti’s words of wisdom for mamas delivering during these uncertain times
Her advice? To take things day by day. “It’s difficult to plan right now because of all the uncertainty swirling around. Focus on both your mental and physical health to get you through challenging — and even unforeseen — circumstances.” she says.
One month later, Patti’s now living her best life as a mom of two. It’s been nothing but blissful, introducing the new baby, Jed, to his kuya, Neo. “He’s been such a sweet kuya, ” she shares. “It’s so heartwarming to see him tap his baby brother’s belly or kiss his forehead.” Her husband has taken on the role as Neo’s BFF, spending more one-on-one time with him. “It’s going to be fun witnessing their relationship evolve,” she gushes.
We can’t wait to see what this new family of four will be up to next!
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