Leeds General Infirmary
Leeds first time mum reveals what it's like to give birth during a pandemic
Natalie McGogrogan gave birth to daughter Isabelle on April 19
Samantha Gildea
Natalie McGogrogan and Andrew Bennett welcomed daughter Isabelle on April 19, as the UK was in lockdown
A first-time mother from Leeds has spoken of her experience giving birth during a pandemic in a bid to put other women at ease.
Natalie McGogrogan, 31, gave birth to her daughter Isabelle Sheila Bennett on April 19 at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI).
Due to coronavirus restrictions, Natalie's partner Andrew Bennett was not allowed to stay with her in the antenatal ward, but he was allowed to be with her in the delivery suite.
After giving birth Natalie stayed in hospital with Isabelle for another five days and Andrew was not able to touch his newborn daughter until they went home, and could only see her through a window at the hospital.
Natalie, who was worried about giving birth during this time, said despite being in full professional protective equipment (PPE) the staff made her feel at ease.
Natalie said: "My partner wasn't allowed into the antenatal ward with me but other women there were going through the same thing. It was something that united everybody and the staff were absolutely fantastic.
"It couldn't have been any better walking into the maternity section you wouldn't have thought there was anything like a virus within the hospital despite nurses wearing PPE.
"I did have a conversation with the midwives when I arrived at the hospital and they pretty much gave me a rough idea of the day and time I'd give birth so the second I got a nod my partner was on the way to the hospital.
"He was not allowed to sit with me while waiting in the delivery suite and when I went to the postnatal ward he wasn't allowed in. We were there for another five days and he could only see his newborn daughter through a window. He didn't get to touch her for five days.
"The nurses and midwives suggested it was the best way for her dad to see her."
Mum who had 10 kids in 10 years has one child-free date night a year
The UK's most popular baby names of 2020 so far - and the boys have a new winner
In addition to her experience with the nurses, Natalie said she managed to bond with the other women who were also in the same position.
She added: "In the post-natal ward everyone was different but on the antenatal ward I was in a room of six and there I made good friends with them, it broke up the day being able to natter with women who were in the same position.
"It was something that made us unite a little bit."