For some time, health researchers have asserted that being pregnant and Latina make for an extremely at-risk combination when it comes to COVID-19. Aurora Chacon Esparza is just one of many women in the United States proving this to be true.
After being diagnosed with Coronavirus back in June, Aurora struggled with the symptoms of the virus while pregnant with her third child. Her husband Juan Duran said that at the time of her diagnosis she had been coughing non-stop and struggled with breathing. On June 19, medical experts put her on a ventilator.
Aurora delivered her baby via emergency C-section while still on a ventilator.
If only you cared about the American people. A Minnesota woman, Aurora Chacon Esparza, 35, is going to die because the hospital does not have a life support machine to save her. Her baby was born 10 weeks early. If she dies, it's on you. @davidpakmanshow@RingOfFireMediapic.twitter.com/rcYTMo7N44
— Karen Griffin Alonso (@KarenAnnAlonso) July 12, 2020
According to a GoFundMe page set up by her family, she passed away this past Sunday. She died in the hospital.
“Aurora was 7 months pregnant, the first week of June she began to have symptoms and went to take the COVID-19 test, she came out negative but the symptoms continued. Aurora called her primary doctor and was told to stay home, that sometimes the tests are not accurate,” the page explained. “The days passed and she began to feel more ill, on Sunday, June 14th  she could not take it anymore and went to the hospital where she was admitted immediately.”
It didn’t take long before Aurora’s symptoms worsened. On June 19th she was sedated and put on an incubator. “On Tuesday, June 23rd, her oxygen became very low and a c-section was required to save both of their lives. She delivered the baby while she was on the ventilator, fortunately, the c-section had no complications,” says the GoFundMe page. “My daughter was born at 30 weeks gestation but luckily she is doing very well. Aurora began to improve very slowly. However, on July 7th things took a turn to the worst. At this time the ventilator is giving her oxygen at 100%. They have given her some treatments but the doctor says that apart from that- they canât do anything else. Since Aurora has been on the ventilator for more than seven days, the ECMO machine would do more damage than help, according to the medical providers.”
Speaking about his wife, Duran called Aurora “one of the strongest persons Iâve ever known.”
Duran described his wife as a 35-year-old “healthy woman with no pre-existing conditions.â âWe never thought this could happen to our family.â Duran said of his wife in an interview with FOX6 Now. He went on to share that when Aurora’s doctor called him to say that she needed to have an emergency C-section to save her and their babyâs life he was optimistic. âI was thinking âokay sheâs going to get through this, a few days at the hospital.â But when I received that phone call it just hit me,â Duran said.
Aurora’s daughter, named Andrea, was delivered a ten-weeks premature. Fortunately, she is a healthy baby.
If there’s one thing mothers know to be true it’s that the difficulty of motherhood doesn’t end with childbirth. When it comes to motherhood, breastfeeding in particular often proves to be one of the most difficult early steps. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 57 percent of women who breastfeed continue to do so six months after giving birth. It’s a surprising number considering the fact that the CDC also recommends that women pursue the act of breastfeeding for six months at least and that the benefits of breastfeeding are extensive. Breastfeeding has long proven to aid in the prevention of diabetes in both mothers and children, as well as the prevention of childhood obesity, allergies, SIDS, and serious infections.
Still, the process can be trying and hard.
Fortunately, Latinas are sharing their tips and techniques for keeping up with breastfeeding.
If you’re at the start of your early breastfeeding days, check out some of the tips to help you make it through below.
âDonât give up! It gets better! Seek out help from a lactation consultant at your OB/GYNâs office or hospital â some insurance plans cover the visit at no cost. Or contact your local La Leche League for free support from other nursing moms.â –mami.guevara
âBreastfed 5 babies…best advice is relax…and every baby is different…it’s okay to ask for helpâŠâ –mommy_dee55
âBreastfed for 2 1/2 years; first 5 months were the hardest! Take your time and be patient but MOST OF ALL do whatâs best for you and your baby!!â –vida_de_maddrre
âDon’t be so hard on yourself, you are a great mom. No matter how your breastfeeding journey goes, your child will be loved. That is the best you can do for your child.â –noramia1
âI say just relax it takes time for some babies to latch on. But do what’s best for you, if you can’t breastfeed DON’T be ashamed, (and others need to stop the Mommy shaming!) you can use formula, it’s not the end of the world. I have two daughters the first one breastfeed til 19 months and my 9 month old is still breastfeeding. It’s not easy but all you new mom’s out there, just know you are great.â –angie17_lo
âKeep pumping and try milkmakers lactation cookies. They are delicious and helped me so much along with fenugreek vitamins. Be patient use formula when you need to. Do what works for you mama you know best for your baby, if itâs boob great if itâs formula great. Good luck.â –rosebuds00
âOneđđœDayđđœAtđđœAđđœTime… Breastfeeding is NOT easy! Do what best works for you.. Even if you can only pump….but donât give up!ânursesandy_83
âBruh yes Iâm barely on 3 WEEKS and wondering how Iâm going to make it to atleast my birthday (May).â –gabrielagnunez
âDonât hesitate to switch to formula. I was unable to produce enough to feed my baby. Formula is a safe and nutritious alternative.â –partunicorn
âIf you and your baby are not thriving, switch feeding tactics. You’re not a bad mom if breastfeeding doesn’t work for you.â –alexandriatrece
âPump when needed. The bottle and formula are fine too. As long as your baby is getting nourishment. My kid was too lazy to take the boob. I ended up pumping and giving her a bottle. She got breast milk and I had so much milk for back up. It all works out. She ended up being weened of the bottle quickly. Sipping cups were her fave. Sheâs 28 and very healthy!â –mrsclny
âPatience is everything. If you plan on breastfeeding you must know it wonât be easy (or it will) but every baby is different. Youâll be nursing around the clock sometimes for hours on the couch or bed. But itâs doable and for me the best decision for my kids. Sometimes I wanted to stop, but I saw their little faces and bodies growing. It was empowering that I was nourishing them. Hang in their moms, again every journey is different. Some have to go back to work, pump.. other are at home. Whatever you decided is your choice. I nursed both my kids until 3 1/2.â –glendamurakami
âHang in there mamis! It is so worth it. The pain, scabs, and unexpected let downs go away over a few weeks/months. Itâs will be the most rewarding thing youâve ever done.â –chicadel77
âthis is why i pumped for a year, instead of direct nursing. there was a lot going on in my life and latching a baby to the breast at all hours of the day just seemed like too much. i’m still super happy that i was able to provide breastmilk for a year.â –damarysocana
âEvery mom & every baby is different. Do what works for you & your baby. Ignore any & all negativity that goes your way. You brought a little human to this world; thatâs your priority. Focus on your precious baby & enjoy your time with him/her, the time goes by so fast!â –glass.of.oj
âItâs hard. I tried and tried. My baby wouldnât latch on and would not stop crying. Eventually I tried pumping but my supply gave out. My son is now 17 and he is a healthy, strong, kind young man. Iâll say this, try as hard as you can but if it doesnât work, you know you did your best. Donât beat yourself up about it. Normalize trying but finding a solution that works.â –adris_world220
âValue your own mental health too and switch to formula if you want to. Itâs a safe, nutritious alternative.â –vivrami
âSeek a lactation consultant! Also, keep at it! More challenging than giving birth, according to my SO.â –sints.slrzno
âOne day at a time. I breastfed all of my three children so I know how difficult and anxiety provoking it can sometimes be. No shame in fĂłrmula at all. Do what works for you and be good to yourself.â –belkise.elena
âJust donât give up! Keep offering it to baby and pump so you donât get clogs. It takes a while to get into a rhythm but it will happen just have faith!5d1 likeReply
âDo whatever works for you. If it isnât working thatâs fine. No shame in formula and no shame in whipping your tittys out in public. Do whatever the fuck is best for you and your baby.â – stuffonstuff
âIf you have the resources, seeing a lactation consultant is helpful. Pumping so you donât become engorged if the baby is skipping feedings. I would say it took about three months to get a rhythm with my babies. Good luck.â- clarissava
âNipple shield! Turns boob into bottle! Also pump the milk if they donât latch and just bottle feed the breast milk. But mostly… Donât sweat it! Sometimes babies just ween themselves off the booby, itâs natural!â- queen_of_my_castle_xx
âKeep pumping and try milkmakers lactation cookies. They are delicious and helped me so much along with fenugreek vitamins. Be patient use formula when you need to. Do what works for you mama you know best for your baby, if itâs boob great if itâs formula great. Good luck.â-rosebuds00
âBe patient and enjoy the moment. It seems like a long time but, time flies and you’ll miss it.â –galvanizestem
âNursed each of my 4 kids for 2 years. Patience and perseverance are key. Listen to your body and your baby. There is no right or wing way to do it, only your way. What works for your family is it. Be open minded and flexible. Best of luck.â –dianapatricia_66
âIâve breastfed 4 babies. One Set of Twins, one baby exclusively breastfed until 2yo and my last baby until 3.5yo. Each baby is different. They latch differently and your body will respond differently to each one. Best advice is to relax. I know itâs hard to hear, especially if you have so many other things to tend to. They feel it when you are tense. and find their favorite nursing position …try them all. Youâll find a sweet spot eventually. And feel free to allow yourself the option to supplement when needed.â-crdguzman
âI breastfeed exclusively for 2 years (no bottle, no formula, no pacifier)! Breastfeeding is the best you can do for yourself and your baby! There are so many resources out there and honestly misinformation is what causes a lot of women to never breastfeed or give up. If anyone needs help let me know!â- niraarin
âYes, as many moms have said before donât give up. I am currently breastfeeding exclusively to my 10month old son. I have breastfed my 2 children prior. He has definitely been the hardest! The first 5 months was filled with feelings of self doubt, guilt and pain. Now that he is 10 months, I can say i am more than glad to still be breastfeeding. It is so much easier to not worry about formula, bottles or anything. All I do is whip out my breast and thatâs it. He is a happy happy baby! First few months you do have to be next to baby all day because of constant feedings and keep in mind your baby has been used to being in your womb for 9 months, it takes time lose that attachment. But keep going and you wonât regret it! Take time for yourself every once in a while and remember you created a little human who you have the ability to nourish. Our bodies have been blessed with that ability.â- vivalayumyums
âPump when needed. The bottle and formula are fine too. As long as your baby is getting nourishment. My kid was too lazy to take the boob. I ended up pumping and giving her a bottle. She got breast milk and I had so much milk for back up. It all works out. She ended up being weened of the bottle quickly. Sipping cups were her fave. Sheâs 28 and very healthy!â- mrsclny
Almost a year after her father Kobe Bryant passed, Natalia Bryant is gearing up for college and celebrating her life in progress. On Tuesday, to celebrate her daughter’s 18th birthday, Vanessa Bryant showered her daughter with tributes and words of wisdom in an Instagram post.
Vanessa posted a handful of tributes to Natalia on Instagram, including old photos of the 18-year-old her father, Kobe.
The late LA Laker, who died last year on Jan. 26 with his 13-year-old daughter (Gianna) and several others in a tragic helicopter crash, could be seen in the photos. In one of the images, Vanessa and Kobe held baby Natalia in an image taken on the Los Angeles Lakers court.
“Daddy’s little princess, Natalia. â€ïžđđđ#18#BirthdayGirl,” Bryant captioned one of the photos.
In another post, Vanessa expressed how proud she was of the woman Natalia has become.
“Mommy and Daddy are so proud of the young lady that you are. You have displayed so much strength and grace throughout the most difficult year of our lives,” she wrote in the post. “Thank you for stepping in to help me with your little sisters. Youâre such an incredible big sister and a beautiful role model to so many people. Thank you for being kind, polite and gracious in everything that you do. You have no idea how happy and proud mommy and daddy are that youâre our daughter. We love you always and forever, forever and always. Happy 18th birthday to our first born, Natalia, our principessa!”
Last week, Bryant revealed that Natalia has college on the mind.
In a separate post shared to Instagram, Vanesa revealed that her daughter has New York on the mind when it comes to getting her Bachelor’s. “NYU is one of her top schools. (@nataliabryant chose not to apply ED to her top 5 schools). I will do my best to keep her in Cali just like I kept her daddy here,” she commented.
There’s no doubt that in the wake of her husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gigi’s deaths, Vanessa Bryant and her family have received quite the outpour of support from fans. Look up just about any hashtag with their names and you’ll find hundreds of thousands of images of the two deceased Bryant family members and just about as many fan accounts. The images and tributes have meant to be a eulogy to the two basketball players that lost their lives too soon.
Yet, recently Vanessa Bryant revealed that the ongoing support hasn’t always been so positive for her.
In June, Vanessa Bryant opened up about having to take action and remove herself from all the social media love she and her family have received in the five months since her husband and daughter’s deaths.
In a post to her Instagram page, the mother of four, sent a note to fans to let them know that she and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalia, had decided to block fan pages in an effort to keep away from the constant pictures of Kobe and Gianna popping up on their âExploreâ pages. In her post, Bryant underlined that she was only blocking the accounts to make sure she was continuing to heal and that it was not being done out of malice.
“Thx so much for all the [love]. @nataliabryant and I have unfortunately had to block fan pages because it’s been really hard to go online and constantly see pics of our beloved Gigi and Kobe under every single square of our explore pages. Blocking the fan pages has helped change the algorithm,” Bryant wrote in a post to her Stories on Instagram.
Vanessa continued to explain that “We [love] you all but please understand that we had to do this for our own healing not because we don’t appreciate your [love].”
Bryantâs Instagram page was made to be private soon after her husband’s death likely for similar reasons.
In a separate Instagram story to her own account Vanessa’s daughter Natalia shared, “We hope that people understand although these fan pages have good intentions, they make moving forward harder since they are constant reminders. Blocking the accounts have helped change the algorithm but we can not go public until the fan pages stop. We love all of your sweet intentions and we hope you understand.”
Understandably, Bryant and her daughter are sheltering themselves from further hurt during this time.
Here’s hoping their fans continue to support them through this decision and understand their motives. Fortunately, while Bryant and her daughter Natalia have made their accounts private, they are still making their content available through other pages. Recently, Bryant revealed that she had decided to pay tribute to her late husband and daughter Gigi by commemorating their lives with tattoos.
Last week, Bryant took to Instagram to reveal sheâd made the decision to honor her husband and daughter with two new tattoos.
Both images were shared with the public via Nikko Hurtado, the artist behind Vanessa’s ink work.
âShoutout to @nikkohurtado for coming over and helping me get my Gigiâs sweet message transferred on me,â she wrote in a caption to her Instagram page featuring a video of her new tattoo honoring her daughter. The details of the tattoo arenât totally visible but in the comments, Bryant revealed that the tattoo features her late daughterâs handwriting. âSo happy I can see my Gigiâs handwriting everyday â€ïž #mambacita,â she replied.
Bryant also shared a video of herself receiving another tattoo, this time for Kobe.
In a post to her Instagram page, Bryant shared another video of herself. This time the video revealed that she was actively receiving a shoulder tattoo that is meant to honor her husband.
âI wanted my boo booâs @kobebryant sweet message transferred on me,â Bryant explained in the caption of the photo.
For fans of the Bryants it’s important to note that while Vanessa and Natalia aren’t looking at fan accounts, the art is still available for you to view if it makes you feel better during this time.
Additionally, fans who want to keep up with Vanessa and Natalia and see how they continue to heal can follow friend accounts or stay in touch with us for updates!
