Carrying and then having a baby is the period in life filled with changes of all types, but giving birth to a baby in the times of global pandemic might take this experience to a whole new level.
Griffin Charlie Klatt was born to happy parents Derek and Charlene at 5:07 a.m. on April 1 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Throughout most of nine months, everything was going as planned, until several weeks before the due date when the world made a flip and everything changed.
And while the first days of the quarantine were the most intense for changes, closures and new circumstances, Charlene said that even though she felt stressed because of the pandemic, for them the experience still ended up being very positive.
Griffin became a younger brother to Lennox who was born in February 2018, and having the second baby was definitely different this time. For example, the last month prior to the big day, they only had every other visit with the doctor.
“Rather than every week, we went every second week and you just do a phone visit on the opposite weeks,” recalled Charlene.
The hospital visits also started with a screening, with the staff asking about the health conditions. Derek wasn’t allowed to join Charlene for her last appointments and the ultrasound in the end.
When the time came, Charlene and Derek headed to the hospital, where the general procedures remained mainly the same with just some precautionary measures added.
“The nurses told us they were going to be washing their hands a lot more, and if we were uncomfortable with anything just to ask to wash their hands again. And they told us no visitors, only my husband was allowed,” said Charlene.
This time they both had to answer the screening questions prior to being checked in the hospital, but after that everything was going as normal. The Klatts were the only family on the floor and with no visitors allowed they felt pretty comfortable and safe, having the time for themselves.
“It was absolutely nice. It was more peaceful, and you didn’t feel as stressed out. It felt like you could really bond with the baby in comparison to having visitors,” said Charlene.
While not having visitors made it a bit more relaxed for parents, the staff ensured that they also could have some rest when needed.
“The staff was fantastic. They made sure that I was comfortable, and the baby was comfortable. And if I was tired they took the baby and watched him for me. They were wonderful,” said Charlene.
All flowers and cards were sent to their home address instead of the hospital. Nobody rushed the family out, and they could take their time and make sure that they were ready to take baby Griffin home.
The first months are usually also quite intense and busy for families. And at this time, they really could feel the difference. The older kid was strongly missing the outdoor activities and playdates that kept him busy helping to use up his energy.
“We had a very busy life. We had a couple of playdates a week and then we’d either go to the energy outlet or swimming, something like that once a week, little stir crazy,” said Charlene.
They are now doing lots of painting, crafts and even some baking and rock painting together. Charlene noted that if it was her first baby, having it in current circumstances would be amazing because it would allow the family more time to bond, but with the toddler, it makes things a bit more difficult. It was also difficult not to have visitors during the first month at home, as they started feeling a bit lonely separated from their family and friends. On the other hand, there were some useful changes such as the grocery delivery offered by Estevan stores, which became the family’s sheet anchor.
“I haven’t been to stores since March.”
The main thing Charlene finds stressful now is the check-ups that have been taking place over the phone ever since Griffin was born.
“I feel like you have to see him if there is something wrong with him,” said Charlene.
Usually, families come in at two weeks, a month and then two months. Charlene did one visit over the phone and then asked the public health nurse to come in when Griffin was a week old to weigh and check him to ensure that everything was going well.
She still doesn’t know when they will be able to come in for a check-up. The province is gradually reopening now, but the COVID-19 virus is not gone yet. While nobody knows when the pandemic will be over, Charlene said that stressing about it doesn't help. Besides, in her experience, the hospital did their best to ensure her family’s safety.
“(Do) not be as worried about COVID here anyways as you could be. I stressed way more than I had to,” said Charlene.
