June 2^nd, 2020. Still locked down, working from home, managing a team remotely, trying to keep up with the ever-evolving Covid-19 guidelines to protect our nurses as best as we can, attempting to educate my little ones, positive pregnancy test. Insert tears and an overwhelmed sensation.

August, 2020. I can see my mum! We have marginally more freedom. Cases are dropping, PPE stocks across Wales dramatically improved. Feeling optimistic.

October 19^th, 2020. The whole house is isolating. My 3 year old is unwell. Covid test completed for me and both sons. Feeling physically ok, just usual pregnancy tiredness and worry about my son who has a temperature that won’t shift.

October 21^st, 2020. 24 weeks pregnant. Call made to the GP as the headaches are causing me so much distress. Sobbing in pain on the phone because all I can take is paracetamol and I am in agony. My body is aching. Thank goodness the baby is kicking a lot. Test result comes back. My son and I have tested positive. Insert anxiety like no other and utter fear about the safety of myself and my son and my unborn child. Call made to work. Sincere and genuine care from Paul & Hywel.

October 23^rd, 2020. Symptoms worsening for me. Cough starting. Baby still kicking. Smell has gone, vomiting starts. On a positive note, my son is much better. My eldest son is starting to get a temperature now. 

October 31^st, 2020. Last day of isolating. Halloween. I can smell freedom (but nothing else still). Thankfully the whole house is feeling better, although the tiredness is like nothing I have ever experienced. Back to work (from home), although I am completely supported to take it easy and not overdo it.

Nov 3^rd, 2020. Midwife calls, baby’s movements are slowing. Scan booked. Baby not grown. Suggested that could be the effects of covid. Attended appointment on my own as partner not allowed. To say I am scared is an understatement. Let the weekly scans commence. Not allowed to see my mum!

Nov 9^th, 2020. Consultant review, again Im alone. Not happy with growth or my new hypertension. Discussed possible ill health of the baby. Advised to carry hospital bag in the car from here on in. Only 28 weeks. Petrified. Weekly appointments continue alongside fear of an imminent caesarean. Midwife hugged me and I burst into tears. Ill never forget that hug.

Jan 20^th, 2021. Locked down again. Not seen my mum for months again now. Last day of work (still from home) as its time to go and have a baby. We made it to full term! My partner has no sense of what’s happening because he hasn’t been allowed to any appointments. This is his first and last baby.

Feb 1^st, 2021. Baby Girl arrives safely into the world by Mr Swammy, the  in Cwm Taf University Healthboard and his incredible team. Honestly, the best obstetrics team I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with.

I have since reflected on lockdown and specifically my pregnancy and personal experience of Covid-19. I consider myself so lucky that this was my 3^rd baby. It was an anxious enough time for me, but I have such admiration for first time mothers who have had to go into the unknown alone.

Another thing that popped into mind is the quality of care I received from the first midwife call to the health visitor visits. Our NHS has suffered like never before, yet you really wouldn’t have noticed. If anything, I had care that you’d expect from a private service. Everyone was so understanding, compassionate. Smiles, even pre-vaccines. They masked their anxiety with laughter, that filled the empty clinics and waiting rooms. The midwives, catering staff, housekeeping staff, consultants, ward clerks, not one person let the pandemic hinder their work. 

Then finally, there is work, specifically Hoop Recruitment. The love and support I received from the whole team, including my internal colleagues, nurses and clients, during this time was amazing. It was sincere. I had people to talk to. So important.

I will continue to be so thankful to everyone who helped me through one of the hardest times in my life.