Highlights
- Although all women who have given birth during the pandemic have faced the same circumstances, the support network of migrant mothers tends to be much smaller or sometimes non-existent.
- Not being able to share this moment with family members is affecting the morale of many of these women.
- Stephany and Eduardo tried to return to Colombia to have their baby but were trapped in Australia with no money and are facing a debt of $17,000.
Baby Nicolas was born in Melbourne four months ago, and although he is Alexandra Parsons' second child, the mother told SBS Spanish that she felt more anxious this time than during her first pregnancy.
The usual feelings of uncertainty that precede giving birth were compounded for her by the pandemic, in particular as she was unable to have her family around for vital support.
The closure of Australia’s international border in March prevented Alexandra's parents from traveling from Colombia to be by her side and to lend support by caring for her eldest son Samuel, who is barely three years old.
The restrictions imposed inside hospitals during the last few months of her pregnancy affected her significantly.
The limitations of who can be present when she visited the hospital increased until it came to a point where no one could accompany her to check-ups, not even her husband.
With all that accumulated uncertainty and anxiety, Alexandra presented herself to the hospital on the day of her child’s birth, and although her husband was able to spend a few moments with her during the caesarean section, she still resents the circumstances in which she had to have Nicolas.
“It was very difficult not being able to share that arrival with my family. It was very sad. And obviously, being locked up, not having a visit from anyone,” she laments.
“Not being able to even have a neighbour who can help you take care of the other child. It has been difficult. It was sad.”
Social media to the rescue
Juanita Guarin, a 31-year-old Colombian, also knows the bittersweet feeling of having a child during the pandemic.
She gave birth to her first daughter two months ago in Melbourne, and like Alexandra, Juanita had organised for her mother and mother-in-law to fly in to assist her.
But regrettably, the family members could only support her by video calls on the day of the birth of little Oriana.
“On the day of the child's birth, they were on video chat, which was a great thing,” she said.
“I could have them watching me, accompanying me, supporting me.”
In addition to being resigned to not having the physical support of her mother on the day of delivery, Juanita has also had to give up the presence of the friends who have become her family in Australia.
For although she has the support of her husband's family, with the enforcement of stage four restrictions in Victoria, socialisation has become almost impossible.
“I needed that support from friends and the family that one creates in Australia. Only my husband could enter the hospital. There are many friends that I appreciate who have not been able to meet Oriana because it is very difficult and as a precaution, we prefer to wait.
Social contact is very important; I still need it. Despite the fact that we see each other on camera, sometimes it is depressing not to be able to share that beautiful joy of having a baby.
However, Juanita refuses the isolation and silence imposed by the pandemic.
For her, the arrival of Oriana is a reason for joy, and despite it being through a video screen, she seeks to have contact every day with those who are waiting for news of her little girl.
“I have many WhatsApp groups. We Zoom whenever we can. Every day I make video calls with my mother and mother-in-law,” she says with joy.
“I'm making video and photos all the time to share them on social media.”
Caught in Australia with an unexpected pregnancy
Although they do not have their Colombian families with them during the difficult times, the fact that Alexandra and Juanita each have Australian partners provides them with a sense of protection and security when facing this situation in a country that is not their own.
But for Stephany Aviles the situation is much different.
Stephany arrived in Australia in February, along with per partner Eduardo.
Within days of arriving with the intention of completing a six-month English course, they found out that they were expecting a child.
The couple immediately made plans to return to Colombia to have their baby, as being international students and having only been in Australia for a few months, the insurance did not cover pregnancy expenses.
Holding six-month visas, the students calculated that they did in fact have enough time to complete their studies in July and leave while Stephany was seven months pregnant.
Stephany Avilés and Eduardo Pinilla, Colombian students. Source: Stephany Avilés
However, when the border closures were announced in March, they became trapped in Australia.
“We tried to sign up for a humanitarian flight, but when we realised that it cost $11,000,000 pesos (A$4,000), we couldn’t take it. It was an overwhelming amount of money. It would mean going into debt and arriving in Colombia without a job. That subject was tough,” Stephany confesses.
Not having the option to leave the country and without family or government support, Stephany and Eduardo had no choice but to continue working.
Luckily, they are considered essential workers.
Both students are cleaners in a hospital and due to their financial needs, Stephany has continued to work during the eighth month of her pregnancy.
The debt forecast for her birth is $17,000.
Stephany Aviles Source: Stephany Aviles
“We know that if we acquire a debt here, we will not leave without paying it. You always have to be honest,” she said.
Stephany attended her last few pregnancy check-ups alone, and Eduardo has only been allowed into the room for just a few minutes.
This has Stephany very distressed since she has been warned that she may have to give birth alone.
“As far as I understand, if the situation continues like this, I would have to go in alone. I am afraid because I have a language limitation.
“All these months my learning of English has been very little, and I really cannot express myself in English. And obviously I don't understand most of what people say to me in English either.
“It has been very hard for me to think that my husband will not be there during the delivery. I am very afraid.”
Stephany awaits the arrival of her little girl in September.
Little by little, members of the local community have provided help with clothes and things that the baby will need.
But the biggest concern for Stephany remains how they will pay for the hospital stay, so they have started a campaign to raise funds.
Help for future and new parents
- PANDA (Perinatal, Anxiety & Depression Australia) offers information and resources for new and future parents, either through its page or through its toll-free helpline 1300 726 306.
- Support is also available through Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at .
