Giving Birth During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Before Dawn on January 10th, I gave birth to two of the most wonderful twins. My husband, Phillip, drove us to Northside Hospital in Atlanta, GA a week earlier for my scheduled induction. Phillip and I both knew giving birth during a pandemic would be unimaginable.

Chasity and Phillip with their newborn twins Northside Hospital and Women’s Center

When Phillip and I first arrived at Northside Hospital, we were greeted by a nurse. The nurse wearing personal protective equipment, including a gown, gloves and a face mask, screened us for symptoms of Covid - 19. The precautions were apart Northside Hospital's safety guidelines.

Care at Northside Hospital

Every year, more woman choose Northside Hospital for the birth of their baby. I was comfortable giving birth at a hospital that is known for providing high-quality care, and delivering more babies than any other single hospital in the United States.

But shortly after being admitted, I had to be tested again for Covid-19. In a matter of seconds, my entire birth plan had to be altered.

Reginald Demetrius Peek, MD, his OB/GYN in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecolog took me to the Covid-19 floor. It was surreal, seeing everyone in their personal protective equipment; and I certainly wasn't having the birth experience I hoped for.

Dr. Peek assured me and the babies would be fine: and we began the induction process. I was overall pleased with Dr. Peeks humor and compassion from the nurses.

During my delivery, the nurses made sure everything felt normal. After doing several induction methods, our son Melo emerged into the world. One minute after, our daughter Rose arrived. We spent an additional seven days with our healthy newborns at Northside Hospital. Nurses would come in periodically with gowns, masks and gloves to check on us.

Northside Hospital Safety Measures

The time me and Phillip spent cooped up in a hospital room felt exhausting, yet incredibly beautiful. I was content with my two healthy full-term twins. My husband and I spent our first hour staring in disbelief. It was a big change compared to the previous life we had back at home.

Due to the safety measures Phillip and I couldn't leave our room. Northside nurses cared for us and brought everything we needed to our room, including drinks, snacks, and meals.

In addition to adhering to Centers for Disease Control guidelines, Northside rigorously performed around the clock cleaning, encouraged everyone to practice hygiene, and required all patients and staff to wear face masks.

Postpartum Care

Having returned home from the hospital, everyday has been a new experience. Being a twin mom is God's greatest gift. Melo and Rose are already very different and super lovable. Phillip and I enjoy taking them to the park, nearby play centers, and making sure we adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines.

Melo & Rose at 6 months

I'm grateful to experience the best care in the world at Northside Hospital. Having 24/7 care from professionals nearby eases my mind as a first time mom.

In August, our family visited our favorite beach in Melbourne, Fl. Melo played with seashells, and Rose aimlessly gazed at the ocean. While me and Philip took photo's through our face masks. It almost felt normal, hopefully by next year it will be.