Joy amidst crisis: Dupuy baby born during outbreak

For most, bringing a baby into the world is a joyous event. After all, everyone loves to “ooh” and “ahh” over newborns. And new parents certainly relish the flood of attention showered upon their precious little bundle of joy.

But what happens when you’ve planned a pregnancy, only to be interrupted by a global pandemic? Is there joy or bliss to be found in the midst of such a crisis? According to Katie and Daniel Dupuy, of Ruston, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

Lillie Susan Dupuy was born April 8 at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe. Her parents said the pregnancy went smoothly with no major issues or concerns until news broke of the coronavirus’s impact in the United States. At that point, everything changed.

“At first, Daniel wasn’t too alarmed, but I was very worried,” Katie Dupuy said. “We knew we needed to consult with our doctor immediately to find out what precautions we should take as well as what research has shown for women who are pregnant and have COVID-19. Our doctor said to take it all very seriously, and we did.”

The first thing they did was immediately self-quarantine with minimal outings to town. They knew any risk taken could result in either of them getting the virus and thus unable to be together during the birth. The doctor also recommended that both sets of grandparents and anyone that could be near the baby to quarantine as well. However, social distancing was going to take care of anyone being near Lillie Sue.

“Hospital visitors were prohibited due to social distancing,” Daniel Dupuy said. “But our families were very supportive, knowing we needed to take all of this very seriously.”

The Dupuys said the labor and delivery ward was secluded from the rest of the hospital with everything very sterile and clean.

“We never felt concerned or scared that we would be exposed,” Katie Dupuy said. “We were given strict instructions that all nonsick patients would enter the hospital from the main entrance while COVID-19 and other sick patients would enter through the ER.

“Honestly, we didn’t know what to expect with this being our first child, but we knew that it was unprecedented due to the pandemic.”

Of course, there were a couple of dreams that were dashed. The couple’s baby showers were scheduled right on the cusp of the outbreak, eliminating some festivities before the social distancing restrictions came into place. And they said it has been extremely hard to social distance from family and friends.

“You dream of introducing your baby to everyone immediately after and being able to experience those special moments of your parents and family members holding the baby for the first time, but that’s all been put on hold due to the virus,” Daniel Dupuy said.

Yet there has been a silver lining. While family and friends have gone the extra mile to make them feel loved, the Dupuys add that there have been plenty of special moments at home.

“We’ve really been able to spend lots of quality time with Lillie Sue with minimal distractions,” Katie Dupuy said. “Lots of blissful snuggles.”

With optimism in hand, the couple’s dreams for the future with their newborn daughter are no different than they would have been prior to COVID-19.

“We want our baby girl to know and love Jesus and then know she is loved and protected by us,” Katie Dupuy said.

And until they can get their own extended family around them, the Dupuys encourage others to look for their own silver lining while trying to make the most of unfortunate circumstances.

“Enjoy this special time with your family and loved ones, stay connected, and share life together,” Katie Dupuy said.