A new Covid-19 restrictive measure instructing fathers to leave hospital immediately after the birth of their child has posed a challenge to many expectant parents in Malta.
The measure was put in place by the health authorities and Mater Dei’s hospital management and was recently altered to allow fathers to visit the mother and new-born child in hospital for an hour every day. While some couples see the measures as an effective restriction to minimize the spread of the virus, others see it as cruel to separate the father from the mother and the child during a vulnerable time.
The Malta Independent spoke to eight month pregnant Tina* and her partner John* who are expecting their first child, and asked them what they make of the measure and how they feel about spending time apart in hospital.
What was your initial reaction when you discovered that fathers are no longer allowed to stay in hospital after the birth of a child?
Tina: Initially, it was quite a big thing because it's my first time having a baby and you already know that it's a big deal. When I first heard about the measure, I felt scared because I thought that my partner couldn’t be there for the whole labour process, only the actual birth of the baby. As days went by and the numbers increased, I could understand that the health authorities want to be careful and limit contact with others.
John: At first, I wasn’t sure exactly how the new measure worked either, but when the authorities ironed out the kinks, I was thankful that I could still support my partner throughout the entire labour process. I think the measure affects my partner more than it affects me. It’s frustrating that the father can’t spend more time with the baby, but all things considered, she’ll only be there for about two days.
The measure was recently amended to allow the father to visit the mother and child for an hour everyday throughout the mother’s stay at hospital. Do you think this is sufficient enough?
Tina: In my opinion, this is the only thing that doesn't make sense. If he's allowed a 1 hour visit, why not stay on for 2 hours or 3? If he’s already being allowed in, why not allow him to stay on past 1 hour?
John: I don't see it as a big problem. She'll only be there for 2 days, so if we're talking about an hour a day; you've got one hour and then another. If she was spending a month, that would be another issue. In reality, those 2 days are going to fly and, before you know it, they’ll be home and you’ll be with the baby and your partner for the rest of your life. The situation is what it is. I think there are worse things than not seeing your baby even though, as a father, I’ll be excited to spend time with her. It's a bit of a sacrifice, but it’s nothing compared to seeing old people stuck in elderly homes unable to see their children because of the pandemic. I think my sacrifice is minimal in comparison to other situations at the moment.
How important is it for the father to be present during and after the birth?
Tina: I think I will mostly need the midwife's help because she has to guide me and tell me what I have to do. I will need my partner the most during labour because he’ll be giving me support. The midwife will support me too, but my partner provides me with emotional support that the midwife can’t provide. After the birth, I imagine I’ll be quite tired and, from my understanding, I’ll be given the baby straight away. It would be nice for my partner to mind her so I can relax. The fact that he will leave after the birth certainly is not a nice feeling and I have no doubt that it's not a nice feeling for him because I'm sure he'll be excited to see the baby and spend time with her. Given the situation, however, I can understand the measure.
John: Every woman is scared of the moment before the baby is born. What matters is that I can be present for the labour, support her throughout it and ensure that she is in good health. We've never gone through this experience because this is our first child, but we’ve heard so many good things about the staff at hospital. They’re so dedicated and helpful. With their help, I won’t be stuck at home worrying that 'my partner is in hospital all alone’ because I know she’ll be supported by the midwives.
How do you feel about the measure in anticipation of the birth?
Tina: You have to accept it at the end of the day; this is the situation we are dealing with. Do I wish it would change? Yes, I do, but if the health authorities don’t agree then it's okay. It’s not the best time to have a baby. Being pregnant during the pandemic creates a bit of stress. I get scared that I might somehow get Covid and it might harm the baby; which will mean that the hospital will have to hold on to her. But we’re staying safe and there’s not much more we can do. We went into hospital the other day and all the staff is very cautious, so we’re reassured that they’re taking all the right measures.
John: We have to accept the new circumstances. Nevertheless, we’re looking forward to having our child and raising her.