On April 7, Orla and Finbar Maguire from Kesh welcomed their baby boy Finn into a world in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although it has been a great time of celebration for the couple, who are first-time parents, the pandemic has added some extra concerns and meant that some special moments have been restricted.

“Having a baby during a pandemic was definitely not something that I had envisaged at all,” Orla told The Impartial Reporter, explaining that she has really missed being able to introduce Finn to their family and friends.

“Some family members have been able to see him through the window or from a 2m distance but it’s not the same as being able to watch your parents being able to kiss and cuddle their new grandchild,” shared Orla, adding: “We also haven’t been able to get Finn christened either and having a family occasion to celebrate our new arrival was something we were really looking forward to.”

Due to the pandemic, Orla was scheduled to have a consultant appointment in Omagh Hospital as opposed to the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) on April 7, the day that she gave birth to Finn.

“I went into labour at home and when I rang the SWAH, I was advised to still attend the clinic in Omagh. On arrival at Omagh Hospital, it was established that I was in active labour and had to make the swift journey then to the SWAH. As I was in active labour, I was taken straight to the delivery ward and my husband was able to be with me during this time. If I had not of been in active labour, he wouldn’t have been able to be with me until then,” shared Orla.

Finn was born at 10.17pm on Tuesday, April 7. Orla explained that her husband was only able to stay for a few hours after the birth: “This was difficult as we had just become a new family and we could only spend a short period of time together.

“I had to stay in hospital until the Thursday and therefore was unable to see my husband or any family members on the Wednesday but it meant that Finn and I had lots of special time to bond. I also received a lot of support and guidance from the fantastic maternity staff in the SWAH who were there to assist me if needed.”

When asked by this newspaper if she was concerned about attending the hospital for appointments and for the birth because of the virus, Orla said: “I was fortunate to only have one appointment in the SWAH before I had Finn just before the lockdown was announced. My husband was unable to be in the room for my last scan and had to sit outside the entrance to the clinic. He was there for all the other scans and appointments and it was upsetting that he couldn’t be there for that one. However, we have been lucky as I know that there have been couples where the partners have not been able to attend the 12 week or 20 week scans which are such precious moments when you are able to see your wee baby.”

Commenting that she was apprehensive about attending the hospital for the birth, Orla added: “The lockdown was in place and the number of cases and deaths were rising every day. I had no option but to put my trust in the maternity staff at the SWAH and they were amazing. They took all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of myself and my baby as well as themselves. They made the experience of birth just as special as it would be if a pandemic wasn’t happening despite them having to wear the necessary extensive PPE for hours on end.”

Orla shared that the pandemic has made her realise that you can take spending quality time with your family for granted. She said: “I come from a close family and we saw each other on a regular basis. Although it’s not the same, we are in contact via phone and video call on a daily basis which is great.

“They are able to see Finn and see how he is growing and changing. My husband is an only child and so it’s his parents first grandchild. It’s sad that they along with my own parents can’t get to see and hold him.

“I can’t wait for them to spend time with Finn and give him lots of cuddles once this lockdown is lifted. I will make sure that the next time I can properly meet with my family and friends, I will hug them a little tighter for a little longer.”

When asked if she has experienced any surprising positives from being in lockdown, Orla commented: “Myself and my husband are able to spend quality time together with Finn and are able to watch him grow and change every day. We don’t have the worry of making sure the house is tidy or making tea for visitors. We have the time to get to know Finn’s wee ways whist trying to devise some form of routine with him.”

Sharing advice for women who are currently pregnant at this time who may be worried about the birth due to the pandemic, Orla said: “My advice to women who are currently pregnant at this time would be to follow the government’s advice and try and not to worry.”

She continued: “I would also advise to avoid watching too much of the news as it can add to your stress and only listen to trusted, reliable sources. You can spend a lot of time worrying about something that may not happen. The maternity staff in the SWAH are exceptional.

“As soon as you have your baby, you are in a wee bubble and all the outside worries disappear. I also want to praise the community midwives and health visitors who provide invaluable support and guidance in the days and weeks after having the baby and are always at the end of a phone if you need them.

“Having a baby during a pandemic is something that will make history and it will be an exceptional story to tell baby Finn all about when he is older.”

“There is no road map to pregnancy or motherhood no matter how many books you read or how many antenatal classes you attend and I am just taking each day as it comes and learning every day,” Orla told this newspaper.