Sisters Ciara Tracey and Karen Doherty had to wait for a change to the lockdown rules before having their babies christened
Long Tower Church on the edge of the Bogside was the setting for the family gathering on Saturday where smiles beamed and relief was palpable as another step towards a new sense of normality took shape.
“I’m just so delighted,” said Ciara Tracey who works in the health service.
Her proud husband, Shane, is also a member of a local paramedic crew.
Baby Anna Tracey was born on April 6.
Ciara acknowledges there had been a lot of tension around Covid-19.
“Despite all that, I felt as if I had a quite peaceful pregnancy. It was all really calm and quiet in spite of all that was going on,” she said.
“I must admit it was a bit scary, in fact really scary, in the hospital with all the staff wearing masks and other personal protection equipment.
“It was also difficult for my husband, Shane, who had to just drop me off and go each time I had to go there just myself for scans and that.
“It was great he got in for the birth which was a C-section and he was there for around an hour or so. So that was great.”
Ciara said she was worried for baby Anna’s health during this time.
“She did have some problems with her breathing for a time so you are constantly concerned about any contact she may have with people,” she said.
“At the same time, it’s lovely for family to see her but there were obvious restrictions in place.
“I’ve been so looking forward to the christening as it’s been a while coming.
“It’s such a special day.”
Ciara’s sister, Karen Doherty, reflected on her pregnancy during lockdown, before she gave birth to her son, Martin.
“In my last week of pregnancy lockdown had just started which made me even more anxious and nervous,” she said.
“I was due to get a planned C-section and when I went over for my pre-op they told me that my partner could not be with me until I was going to surgery and couldn’t stay afterwards.
Ciara’s husband, Shane, and Karen’s partner, Martin, were happy the christenings could finally go ahead
“All my worries were for nothing as it was the most amazing experience, the staff were amazing in the way they handled the new regulations.
“I don’t feel like I missed out on anything at all as both me and baby are safe and healthy.”
Karen added: “It was an exciting day, not only for us but for Martin.
“The most important aspect for us is for him to be christened and even though all our family cannot be there it will still be special.”
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