Meath mother Facetimes partner as he can’t attend birth due to Covid-19 restrictions

An unfortunate sign of the times.

The new restrictions to help stop the spread of coronavirus has affected our lives in different ways, whether it's how we work, how we travel (or don't) or how we parent. Expectant mothers in particular are feeling the affects on their lives as maternity hospitals put in visitor restrictions with some even banning birthing partners from the hospital. One mother in Meath recently had to Facetime her partner as he couldn't physically attend the birth of their child, and unfortunately, it's something that could become more common place. Emily Watson recently gave birth to her fourth child at Mullingar Hospital, but due to new restrictions at the hospital she could only have her partner there through her phone. Speaking to Breaking News, Watson said that even though she could not have her partner there, the midwives were by her side the entire time;

"I had been told that I wasn't allowed have any birthing partners so I was prepared for it and the midwives were amazing. One stayed with me the whole time minding me and a further two arrived to help with the birth."

Watson also stood up for the staff, who she said received a lot of backlash for dads and birth partners who were turned away from the hospital;

"There were lots of angry dads and family members ringing and giving the midwives abuse but it's not their fault. These measures were taken by the HSE to keep us all safe.

Since returning home, the separation is still being felt for Emily as her father who arrived over from the United Kingdom was only able to see his new granddaughter Charlotte through the window of the family's home. It's a very tough time for families around the country but hopefully if the restrictions work, we will all get to be reunited soon.