Chloe Sevigny experienced ‘super-heightened anxiety attack’ at prospect of giving birth alone

In March, a number of NY-based hospitals banned birthing partners to prevent the spread of coronavirus

Sarah Jones
Thursday 19 November 2020 06:20 EST
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(Getty Images)

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Chloe Sevigny says she experienced a “super-heightened anxiety attack” at the prospect of having to give birth alone amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In March, hospitals in New York, where the actor lives, announced that partners would not be allowed to be present at births as a precaution.

At the time, Sevigny was heavily pregnant with her first child – a boy called Vanja, who was born in May.

In a new interview with ES Magazine, the Zodiac star opened up about how “stressful” it was when she thought her fiancé Sinisa Mackovic and her doula might not be allowed at the birth.

“I had like one whole day of really feeling sorry for myself, crying all day and having a super-heightened anxiety attack at the thought of being alone in the room,” she said.

“I posted something about how I was thinking about all the other mothers out there. All these women were like, ‘The father of my child wasn’t there: he was at war.’"

She continued: “So many women and all these stories of women put into perspective how privileged I was.”

The ban on birthing partners in hospitals was lifted the day before Sevigny gave birth.

The actor initially raised her concerns about the rules in March. Alongside a photo of her holding her bump while wearing a graphic T-shirt and bridal veil, Sevigny wrote on Instagram: “I hope all expecting families are finding some calm.

“Today’s news in NY was very distressing for all.”

In May, a representative for the actor confirmed that she had given birth and that both mother and child were doing well.

“Chloe had her baby on Saturday and all are happy and healthy,” the spokesperson said.

Sevigny later shared the name of the newborn on Instagram, posting a photo of her and Mackovic cuddling the baby.

“Welcome to the world Vanja Sevigny Mačković Born May 2nd New York City,” the American Psycho star wrote.

“Thank you to all the staff at Mt Sinai East for your bravery, perseverance and kindness, especially the nurses for being so gentle and patient.

“Blessings to all the other families giving birth during this time. #ilovemyboys.”

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