Families in the Time of the Pandemic

Season 3, episode 5

Families in the Time of the Pandemic

The journey of motherhood can simultaneously be full of joy but also challenges, and COVID-19 has created unique challenges for mother's around the world. Former Canadian footballer and UNICEF Canada Ambassador Karina LeBlanc joins us to tell her powerful story of becoming a mother during the pandemic. Then we'll take you to India, to learn more about the devastating new wave of COVID-19 and what UNICEF is doing to support children and families.

Producers: Priyadarshini Mitra, Victoria Ptashnick

Composed and Mixed by: Chandra Bulucon

Additional Music by:

Nuno Adelaida, "Children - Our Life"

VYVCH, "Midnight Stone" and "Get Well" (https://freemusicarchive.org)

Episode Transcript: 

[00:00:00.00] [MUSIC PLAYING]

[00:00:06.48] I love you. I missed you. Do you remember me? Oh, my God. I love you so much.

[00:00:26.78] An emotional reunion between a mother and her daughter. The mother is former Canadian National Football goalkeeper and UNICEF Canada ambassador, Karina LeBlanc. The month of May brings with it spring a new lease on life, new beginnings, and celebrations of motherhood and family. On this episode of our podcast, we follow one of those journeys with Karina, and learn how challenging it has been to become a mother during this pandemic.

[00:00:58.30] We also hear from India where a devastating new wave of COVID 19 is tearing families apart. I'm David Morley, the president and CEO of UNICEF Canada and the host of the For Every Child podcast.

[00:01:14.59] [MUSIC PLAYING]

[00:01:24.96] It's hard to imagine how much the coronavirus pandemic has recast motherhood. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, one pregnant woman or newborn died every 11 seconds. An estimated 2.8 million every year, mostly of preventable causes. In the past year, millions of mothers all over the world embarked on a journey of parenthood in the world as it was. But they've since had to bring a life into the world as it has become.

[00:01:57.03] With the COVID-19 pandemic surging, new mothers and newborns have been faced with harsh realities-- lockdowns and curfews, health centers that are overwhelmed in many places with a lack of sufficient skilled birth attendants and midwives as health workers are redeployed to treat COVID-19 patients. Our first guest today is a new mother and has felt the challenges of motherhood during a pandemic up close and personal, Karina LeBlanc.

[00:02:31.41] Karina, you've been a long time UNICEF Canada ambassador. You are the goalkeeper for the Canadian National Women's soccer team. You're a two time Olympian and currently the head of women's football at the CONCACAF. But you've often said a different role has been the most rewarding in your life, that as a mother to a beautiful daughter, Paris. Being a mother through COVID-19, it couldn't have been easy at all. Take us through your journey.

[00:03:00.94] Thank you for having me. But yeah, this year's been interesting. I'm a first time mom, so I don't know what any other thing. So being a mother during a pandemic is all I know, but I went through my pregnancy. It wasn't the easiest, but I thought that was going to be the most difficult part. But then things really changed. I gave birth right as the pandemic hit. So I remember leading into it, the conversation was like, listen, there's this thing called COVID. We're not sure what it's going to be. But we need to be safe.

[00:03:36.64] So I actually ended up giving birth outside of the country in the Bahamas. And gave birth first day of lockdown. So it was one of those things where you even needed permission to be on the street. And it was a bit different, but nevertheless, gave birth. And I think things got really interesting about a week later when as women, we know our bodies. We know when things feel off. And I think that's one of the experiences of being an athlete is I really knew my body.

[00:04:08.31] And the swelling hadn't gone down. I was having shortness of breath. And I woke up in the middle of the night and scream to my husband, I'm like, I can't breathe. And he's like, what are you talking about? Sit up, sit up. I'm like, no, no, I can't breathe. And so we call the doctor, and the doctor is like, you don't have time for an ambulance, you need to go to the hospital now. So every fear became a reality. I was holding the finger of my daughter who is a week old at that time.

[00:04:37.59] And she was just squeezing it. And I was giving her the goodbye speech of mommy loves you, like if I'm not going to be around for your life. Like just the stuff that was so hard and saying goodbye to my husband because I could not breathe, and I remember getting to the hospital. And again, because of COVID, nobody was allowed into the hospital at the time. It was, I opened the door, walked. My husband couldn't come in, my newborn couldn't come in, and I felt so alone.

[00:05:09.14] And I remember going through and I ended up having heart failure, but that wasn't even innervated. And I'll tell you this because for me why it's relevant, is I know what it's like to sit on a hard sheet if they had to take a scan of me, tears running down the side of my face, and having difficulty breathing and thinking this is it and feeling all alone. And I think during this pandemic, when I see the stories of people dying alone. I'm like, I know what that feels like because I thought that could be me.

[00:05:46.88] And I have a good ending to my story where we got through it. And I don't know if you know the statistics, but Black women have a higher mortality rate of just dying through childbirth than other races. And because I was in a country where people knew what to look for. And I was able to trust that environment. They were able to be like, OK, this is what's going on. And within a couple of days I was OK. But the twist of it was because again, of this pandemic the head doctor in that ER that I went into got corona and COVID and sadly passed.

[00:06:28.38] And because I'd been exposed to him, it was actually better-- again, this is COVID times where everything's different. This is the beginning where they sent me home. But I had to quarantine for those two weeks. So the next two weeks of my life I was not able to hold, touch, anything of my daughter, which is the hardest thing when you've just given birth and you have postpartum and all those things. And in those two weeks I think I learned a lot about myself.

[00:06:55.36] I learned that, first of all, as women we are so strong. We are so strong and life prepares you for these moments, but I think the mentality of being an athlete and having that power to train my mind I was able to realize that you know what? Positivity and perspective is everything. And I was like, you know what, there's some lessons I needed to learn about myself where I needed the stillness and quiet because something amazing and even more amazing was going to come forward.

[00:07:24.01] And that's one of the things I keep telling people, is that we'll get through this. And we're learning and we're having to pivot, and we're having to live in the uncomfortable, and we're living-- and everything is just personal. But once we get through this, there's greatness that lays there for all of us in this world. And it's us just getting a grasp of that because I'll tell you holding on to Paris after those two weeks, I've never cried tears like that of joy. And it's made me be more present and made me be more appreciative of the moments I have with her and my husband.

[00:07:58.98] We heard a small clip of that on the top of the show. It's amazing to hear the positivity with which you emerge through such a tough time. Like you said, it is the health workers who understood what was needed through that complication and helped you through it. At UNICEF, we believe this is why there must be investment in training health workers. So they are equipped with the right skills and medicines to ensure every mother and newborn is cared for by a safe pair of hands.

[00:08:29.98] Coming to you personally, you've long been a part of UNICEF Canada as an ambassador. What part of the work that you've seen has touched your heart the most in all these years?

[00:08:41.89] Oh, I have a million. And some of them make me emotional immediately, but I'll tell you my first one where I knew that this was what I was meant to be doing and just being where I was meant to be. For me, I'm a woman that's driven by purpose and my why. And I remember my coach, it had been 14 years. We'd just finished winning the Olympic medal for our country and you're like, that's the highest of the high for me as an athlete. But he said one of the most powerful things to me.

[00:09:12.10] He said if you think your purpose on this Earth is to kick a soccer ball for Canada, then I failed you. I'm like, what are you talking about? This is my purpose. I make sure that as many autographs I can sign, I make sure I'm a positive voice. But that would lead me to a beautiful journey because you always find what you're looking for. And I remember it would lead me to sitting at the table with somebody from UNICEF Canada and lead to this whole situation and circumstance and one of the greatest honors of my life.

[00:09:42.91] But my first trip I did was to Honduras. And what a beautiful reality I entered and I found what I was looking for. We did many things on that trip, but one of the things I did was-- I was talking to young girls who were holding their babies at 13 and 14 years old. And they hadn't been open to just the things that UNICEF brings to young women and children. And the first thing we did was to do soccer. And here I am jumping up and down and bringing all the energy and be like, you are awesome.

[00:10:17.68] And I notice three gray jerseys immediately. And I was like, where did they get these jerseys? And I remember someone came around and said it was donated by a Canadian years ago. And they had like a little holes in them and stuff. And so I went over to these girls and instantly I was emotional because those three jerseys in the middle of Honduras were the first ever club team I had played for the first time I ever kicked a soccer ball in the small little town of Maple Ridge, BC.

[00:10:47.89] And it hit me I was doing exactly what I was meant to be doing, and I was exactly where I was meant to be. These kids had never seen me play in a World Cup in an Olympics. But it was the fact that I showed up for them. And I think that's what's so special about UNICEF, is that continually we show up for these children. People showed up for me who didn't know me. And for me, it was like, can I be that voice or that person that shows up for these children who don't have that in their lives.

[00:11:18.37] And giving every single child that hope, and that reality that they matter, and they're seen, and they're heard by people they've never ever met. And I think that's the power of what UNICEF does.

[00:11:31.19] And you've always been such a powerful voice in supporting our work. Is there a message you want to share with mothers in other parts of the world? Mothers who are going through a similar struggle as you, who are scared of how this pandemic will affect them and their babies?

[00:11:48.34] I'd say to all the mothers, just know that own how you feel. If there's anxiety, own that. If there's insecurities, own that, but know that you're not alone. I think that's the scariest part about this pandemic is that everyone's feeling alone. Whether you're a woman, or a man, a mother, a daughter, a son. Everyone's feeling alone, but I just remind them that they're not alone. And just remind them of the strength that they have within them.

[00:12:13.21] Because women are phenomenal. And I'm not taking away from anybody else, but women are phenomenal human beings. Birthing a child is the most incredible gift that we have. It's such an honor because you get to bring a human being into this world. And it's terrifying because it's like, sometimes I look at Paris and I'm like, I'm in charge of you? What? But at the same time, it's the most beautiful gift that we have. And maybe for me because I always focus on the positive, focus on that, and it's going to be OK.

[00:12:47.21] And whatever you go through is going to be part of your testimony, your journey. So I just remind every mother that strength is within you. It's there and don't forget it. And you don't need to search for it, you already have it within you. I would say this, I think not everyone is fortunate enough to be a mother. And I'm very aware of that. I can say that being a mother is the best thing that's ever happened to me. And once you're a mother you know.

[00:13:20.71] But now, with where the world is and the realities of the world and what this pandemic has done. And you look at everyone's hearing about India right now. And the realities and the stories that we're hearing of children losing not one parent, but two parents. I can't even-- I mean, fortunate or not, I know what it's like to have a moment to look at your child and think that you may not be there for them. In this world there are a lot of children who unfortunately, that's the reality because of this pandemic.

[00:13:56.56] And that breaks my heart because I'm blessed enough to now be able to be there for my daughter. And there's mothers that right now were speaking for who don't get that opportunity for their children. And there's children out there right now who don't have their mothers, which breaks my heart to even think and talk about. But I would say, for us in this world let's be the mothers to those children. And I'm getting emotional saying that because it's nothing's fair about this pandemic.

[00:14:31.03] We all have had our moments, we all will have our stories. But those of us that get to share their stories, we're the fortunate ones. Let's all own a role in that. If it's $1, it's $1. If it's hundreds of dollars, it's hundreds of dollars. But most importantly, it's your allowing these children to feel seen and heard and tell them that they matter. And I think that's one of the most important things you can do in this world is to help somebody know that they matter.

[00:15:02.94] Thank you, Karina, for sharing your story and also for speaking about how we must stand together with families that are suffering at this time, those in need around the world. One such family is that of Priyanka Mandal in India. Her mother is suffering from COVID-19 as the disease spreads rapidly in the country wreaking havoc. Priyanka desperately searches for oxygen and medicines for her mother, life saving interventions that are in short supply.

[00:15:37.46] It's been one week. She's having constant fever and now she is not even able to breathe. So the oxygen saturation was 80 until yesterday. In the night, it became 60, and now it is 40. It has taken two and 1/2 hours for me to commute from my place and come here for this oxygen, so I cannot take back her without an oxygen. So I have to give it to her. No matter how much time it takes, I have to wait here. The medicines are also not available in the medical stores, big medical stores.

[00:16:06.54] I have gone. I have almost visited five or six big medical stores, which wholesale markets where the medicines are not available.

[00:16:14.60] Similar heartbreaking stories are playing out in households across India. Every minute two lives are tragically lost to COVID-19. The scenes are devastating, growing exponentially every day. This recent COVID-19 surge is recording the highest count of new cases, more than any other country throughout the entire pandemic. Dr. Yasmin Haque, UNICEF representative in India joins us from New Delhi to tell us more about the situation.

[00:16:48.27] The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India is almost four times the size of the first wave. And we are seeing the system being stretched beyond its capacity, whether it's to provide hospital beds, essential drugs, and of course, the much needed oxygen. The desperate situation that we see around us, where we see families and patients struggling to find facilities-- it really is distressing. It's distressing for anyone. It's distressing for people who are even watching it on television.

[00:17:28.04] For our team here, we are also affected, but it doesn't take away our commitment and our absolute push for getting the services that are needed in place, so that we can alleviate as much as we can of the suffering that people are facing.

[00:17:47.10] This is truly devastating. I think back to my visit to a hospital in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh a few years ago. I remember seeing the children there meeting and marveling at the work of the community health workers in the city. Just hearing about the situation and seeing the images now makes me certain that we must act to protect and strengthen those health systems. Can you tell us about how this new wave of COVID-19 is impacting children in particular?

[00:18:19.55] It is a desperate situation and it's a desperate situation for millions of people throughout India. For us, it's really important that we keep our focus on what children are facing. A year into the pandemic their lives have been disrupted. They're not going to school, many parents have lost their livelihood. And on top of that now, with the really terrible COVID wave and the increasing loss of life. The big concern at the moment also is that children are losing their parents, their grandparents.

[00:18:57.50] And it is a desperate situation for children and their families. So India really needs the equipment that we've been talking about. It needs a support for children who are being affected badly. We have the Childline. Families can call up a number and government, social welfare and NGOs, can come to their support. But what we really need is the funding to get the equipment to boost as much as we can the community level engagement with for communities and really listening to what else they need.

[00:19:37.85] Putting in place the measures so that the nutrition services, the basic services that the children will still need, which is immunization, care for nutrition, and of course, remote learning.

[00:19:51.81] That's just heartbreaking. This new surge in COVID-19 cases has truly been brutal on children. In fact, young people and children are falling ill to this disease and as you said, they're also losing family members leaving them vulnerable too. Tell us a bit about UNICEF's work there and what's being done to help all these people.

[00:20:16.92] So UNICEF has been working very closely with the government and partners in India for over 70 years now. And our focus over the past year really has been in supporting the government in putting in place measures to enhance the treatment, the testing capacity, and of course, the very important behavior elements that are part of the crucial life-saving practices, like wear your mask, wash your hands, and keep a distance.

[00:20:48.18] On top of that, rolling out the largest vaccination program in the world has been a lot of the focus. And while this is happening and we thought hopefully things are easing, the second wave has really hit us. So like you said, focusing on bringing in life-saving equipment like oxygen concentrators, oxygen generation plants, testing equipment, and keeping the focus on those messaging really working hard with communities, with whomever we can get the messages out to.

[00:21:21.54] And also hearing from people what keeps them from using their mask and the hygiene practices, and seeing how we can address them really.

[00:21:32.50] [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]

[00:21:43.00] Vaccination awareness trials like the one you just heard taking place in the slums of Mumbai are part of the efforts being made to ensure that those who are the furthest from opportunity have access to COVID-19 vaccines. Ani Katyadav is one of the volunteers working hard at a registration site to get people to sign up for their dose.

[00:22:07.91] So we are doing this vaccine awareness drive across Mumbai wherein most of the partners are involved with a couple of activities. So the activities are vaccination helpdesk. You can see over there, wherein we ask people to come and register for vaccination. We encourage them. We also go in slums, do door-to-door making very our social messaging mass coordinators, address misinformation, disinformation, on-site registration. They do all people.

[00:22:36.71] They tell people about the vaccine availability and awareness about it. Also we have autorickshaws, so we have placed icy materials on autorickshaws. And those ice at the particular rickshaw drives in all the locality all the nearby roads and all the outskirts of that particular location. But indeed, we try to reach more and more people. Until now through this successful you need initiative of [INAUDIBLE] we have reached around over two lakh population right now across Mumbai. And we are definitely aiming to reach more and more population in upcoming time.

[00:23:16.09] It is initiatives like these that are a ray of hope amidst the devastation and tragedy surrounding the COVID-19 wave in India. From all we heard, what we need to do to help is clear-- access to medical oxygen to treat severe and critical COVID-19 cases, rapid and accurate testing machines in some of the most affected areas, support for communities and essential workers to help maintain critical programs for children. And finally, of course, we must continue to support the ongoing distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

[00:23:56.16] At this time, many of us are trying to find ways by which they can help this situation. Let's listen to what Dr. Haque has to say about it.

[00:24:05.10] Much more is needed as the outbreak continues to spread rapidly, and none of us can do this alone. This is the time for everyone to come together and support this unprecedented crisis. UNICEF appeals to you to join with us in providing this immense support that is needed by the children, the families, and the governments in India. We cannot do this without your support. India needs you.

[00:24:39.20] Thank you, Dr. Haque, for all the work you and your team are doing in India to support bringing an end to this terrible crisis. As we continue to work together to get the entire world beyond this pandemic, we have to come together and address the mounting need in India. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is helping bring us closer in Canada, but it's a time for unity, a time to bring everyone in the world together in solidarity.

[00:25:12.09] No one is safe until everyone is safe. This-COVID 19 crisis will have an impact on the lives of the current generation of children in India today and in their future. That's why each one of us must play our part now in making sure people in India have all they need to overcome this brutal second wave. You can find out more at unicef.ca/helpindia. With that, we come to the end of our episode for this month. Thank you for listening.