"Giving birth to our first child"

We arrived late afternoon due to my partner selecting to be induced due to Reduced Fetal Movements. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the lovely midwives and we were given details on what would be done to begin the process. All staff throughout this process were fantastic and we can't thank them enough.

Dr Rick who has been our doctor for the better part of a year was, as always, very thorough and understanding with what the process entailed which myself and partner were appreciative of.

However, on Census Night we were in the midst of trying to begin labour via Oxytocin which my partner needed to undergo a few vaginal exams for. Just before lunch, 2 people walked in seemingly unannounced with Census lanyards around their necks. Now I completely understand the need for the census and do not object to it anyway. But, these people walked straight in and asked us if we wanted them to undertake the census or leave it with us. Thinking we were about to go through labour, I indicated that I would prefer them to do it. They began going through the census with me which I answered whilst having lunch.

Midway through answering, our midwife indicated to the 2 census staff they needed to leave so my partner could undertake a vaginal exam. They promptly left and the vaginal exam was completed by the midwife. No more than 2 minutes after the completion of this exam, whilst my partner was still naked from the bottom down with a sheet over her, the census staff walked straight back in and resumed.

Now I want to be clear that the census staff were nice enough. My issue lies within what I feel is the blatant hypocrisy in the lockdown measures that were in place during our stay.

This was our first child, a very special moment in our lives something that can never be repeated and due to lockdown, we were not able to have a single person come through to visit us post the birth. This is despite my mother and both my partner's parents being fully vaccinated. We were confined strictly to our ward after the birth, not even able to take a step outside. If the issue was preventing movement between wards, yet you have 2 census staff going room to room, seems extremely stupid to me.

The strain on myself and my partner's mental health whilst confined to our room was quite immense. True isolation in a time where it should be celebratory with family and friends. I do understand the need to protect the wider community, but I do believe more can be done to accommodate visitors even through a window.

Despite the above, our son was born with minimal issues with great support from the following midwives; Sara, Courtney, Mel, Sandra, Renee, Megan and Dr Sam which we simply couldn't be thankful enough. Special mention to Ali as she was with my partner for the majority of the stay and she really went above and beyond to ensure myself and partner were ok!