When Debra found out she was pregnant, she was bursting with happiness. “I already had a ‘Big Brother’ bandana ready for our dog, Auggie, to wear in order to tell my husband when the time was right,” says Debra. “I was so excited when I was finally able to use it.”
But with the spread of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Debra’s typical first-time mom worries took on new meaning—“to the point where everything I may have been worried about related to pregnancy went out the window and was replaced with my fear of COVID-19,” she says.
Still, for Debra and her husband, James, the excitement of becoming parents has not been dampened. “As time has gone on and I’ve seen more women deliver healthy babies safely during this time, including close friends of mine, my fear has gone away,” she says.
Debra, who is working remotely during the last month of her pregnancy, is due May 17 and plans to deliver at NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital. “I know I’m in good hands, so it’s best to let things be, be smart, and stay as safe as possible,” Debra says. “Plus, I’m really excited to get to know our little one. Will they be fussy? Chill? Funny? Serious? I have no idea, so I’m excited about who they’ll turn out to be.”
Join Debra as she navigates the last month of her pregnancy, giving birth, and becoming a mother in this new era of COVID-19.
Episode One: April 21, 2020
Follow Debra as she travels from her home in Westchester county to Manhattan for a 36-week prenatal appointment with her doctors at NYU Langone Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates, and learns what labor and delivery during COVID-19 entail.
VIDEO: Debra and James make their way to Debra’s 36-week prenatal appointment, and discuss their feelings about having a baby during COVID-19.
Episode Two: April 29, 2020
Debra’s 37-week appointment takes place over video visit, and she learns about the latest COVID-19 hospital policies for new moms. She also participates in a baby safety class online.
VIDEO: Debra has a video visit with her NYU Langone obstetrician and takes part in an online car seat safety class for new parents.
Episode Three: May 9–10, 2020
Debra and James have their hospital bags packed and ready to go, and the day before her 39th week, Debra begins the early stages of labor. After confirming with their doctor, they make the drive to the hospital for the later stages of labor and delivery.
VIDEO: Debra goes into labor, and the obstetric care team helps her and James through the safe, smooth delivery of their son and an early discharge from the hospital.
