For Reuters:
At 40 weeks pregnant, Nancy Pedroza watched with anxiety as cases of the coronavirus disease mounted across Texas.
Pedroza had intended to give birth in a hospital but began doubting that plan as U.S. states ordered residents to stay home. Hospitals also implemented restrictions on the number of people who could be present in a delivery room.
As she passed her due date, Pedroza connected with licensed midwife, Susan Taylor, who agreed to allow Pedroza to give birth in her own home. Pedroza felt like this was the safest option and the best way that she could ensure her parter, Ryan Morgan, and her doula would be with her as she labored.
After laboring in a birthing tub, Pedroza's cervix was dilated to 10 cm, and she began to push. The baby’s heart rate dropped to a dangerous level and Pedroza was rushed to the hospital, where she was greeted by staff in PPE.
After laboring with a mask for hours, she delivered a healthy baby boy named Kai Rohan Morgan.