New Northampton mum puts expectant parents' at ease with lockdown birthing advice

Dhruv and Gemma have been getting to know their little girl born during lockdown for the past month.

Gemma Hunkin, from Buckingham Fields, was over the moon when she found out in August 2019 that she was pregnant with her second daughter.

Her baby-to-be would be a little sister to her 13-year-old daughter, Grace and her partner Dhruv's first child.

The pair were both bursting with excitement from the moment they were given the news as they were planning to grow their family.

The new family-of-four are adapting to life together at home.

But this birth would be different, not only because of the 13 year age gap but because she was giving birth while the country was in strict lockdown.

Her second bouncy baby, Kaia, was born at Northampton General Hospital on April 18 at 6.37am weighing 7lb 2oz.

"She is adorable and has the chubbiest cheeks," Gemma said. "She's just turned three weeks old and is starting to be more awake and active now.

"Her personality is just starting to show and we definitely have a little monkey on our hands who already has daddy wrapped round her little finger."

Grace was thrilled to find out her mum was going to give her a sister.

She said although she was looking forward to meeting her newborn, she struggled to imagine what giving birth would be like with midwives wearing PPE.

But the experience was less daunting than she may have previously thought.

"I was worried my partner wouldn't be able to be there at the birth," she added. "And, also I was concerned if we had to stay in hospital he couldn't visit."

Gemma had to go into the hospital by herself after her waters broke so midwives could check how many centimetres she had dilated. At 4cm, she would be in active labour.

She was told she was already at 4cm and her partner, Dhruv Sharma, who was waiting in his car, was allowed to be by her side where he stayed until Kaia was born.

"He just had to go home when we were moved to the ward for post birth checks," Gemma said. "Which was about 90 minutes after she was born.

"It was different to the first time, and not just because of the 13 year age gap, but because all the staff were wearing their face masks.

"They did show us their faces briefly, so we could put a face to the voice and name, which did make a big difference.

"I would also say a lot of expressions can be seen through the eyes and smiles, which gave us reassurance, so it wasn't as impersonal as I was expecting.

"The staff are fully aware that expectant parents are particularly concerned at this time and are doing their best to reassure and comfort you.

"Dhruv wasn't allowed to visit us again but luckily we went home in the afternoon. If you're happy to go home and they don't need to observe you or the baby then they are discharging you as soon as all the necessary checks have been completed.

"When we left the midwife had to collect the car seat from Dhruv who had to wait by the entrance for us.

"Nothing has changed in the sense that they always talk you through every step of the way, give advice and discuss all options with you.

"Although things are different, the staff are doing a fantastic job to put you at ease and make the birth of your child as perfect as possible during these difficult times."