Online platform helps out pregnant women

Under pressure from the novel coronavirus, questions like how to find baby formula, go to the hospital, and protect pregnant and newborns are making mothers-to-be even more anxious.

As a mother who gave birth five days ago in Wuhan, the epicenter of the battle, Zhang Yang helped found an online group to assist pregnant mothers.

Still lying in bed, Zhang was speaking via WeChat to the husband of a woman in labor, telling him how to deal with his wife's hospitalization.

"She is another me. We face the same challenges. Because somebody helped me get through, I want to help her as much as I can," said Zhang, who runs an e-commerce business in Wuhan.

The novel coronavirus pneumonia broke out in Hubei province late last year and the capital city Wuhan has been locked down since Jan 23.

With the closing down of public transportation in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus, it has been difficult for women who are about to give birth.

Even in normal times, there is a long list of needs in preparation for birth, including baby formula, feeding bottles, baby diapers, booking the bed in hospital and seeking psychological counseling.

The online platform "Baby Care Plan" was launched on Feb 4 by Zhang and two other mothers in Wuhan who are her friends－Wang Wenli and a woman surnamed Hu.

"There are so many moms looking for help via social media. I can't sit down," said Hu, the mother of a 4-month-old baby. Using her knowledge and contacts with medical staff, Hu connected pregnant mothers and medical professionals.

At the very beginning, they planned to provide one-stop services. But she found that it was impossible to find accommodation because nobody wanted to share rooms with pregnant women and newborns who are susceptible to the virus.

They began to seek online solutions. Doctors from the gynecology and pediatrics department provide professional suggestions from 8 pm to 9 pm. During the day, they contact hospitals, looking for baby formula and safe places for newborns.

So far, 47 volunteers and doctors from seven hospitals have joined hands to help 73 pregnant women in Wuhan.

As of Feb 14, five mothers had given birth safely. Another 22 pregnant women are due over the next month, and the remaining 46 women will give birth in the following 30 weeks.

Public data shows that 120,000 babies were born in Wuhan last year. It is estimated that nearly 10,000 women may have given birth since the coronavirus outbreak.

"Apart from fighting the novel coronavirus, the people of Wuhan are living each day with great strength, including giving birth. Together we are handling all the difficulties and welcoming the newborns to the world," said Wang.

Li Dingdian and Zhu Shuni contributed to this story.