Volume/Issue :

Author(s) :

Dr. Lynne McCormack, Claudia Lawson, Emily Magee.

Abstract :

Little is known of subjective experiences of birthing during the first-phase SARSCoV-2 (COVID-19) lockdown. Semi-structured interviews explored birthing experiences, returning home, and perceived mother-infant bonds overlaid by COVID-19 restrictions. Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed two superordinate themes from the data: 1) COVID lockdown and childbirth, and 2) Growth and connection. Rich data sets highlighted a deep sense of fear, loss, isolation, and hypervigilance associated with life threats, disrupted medical care, and banned familial support for participants. Conversely, the lockdown provided recovery and bonding opportunities within the immediate family unit, uninterrupted by visitors. Additionally, vulnerable birthing populations, including first nation peoples, need prioritizing during crises.