My Advice for Giving Birth During a Pandemic
There are so many people that are having babies and my heart is so excited about it. Especially for new moms and dads that have never experienced the joy and excitement of welcoming their first child. It is an unmatched emotion that I just cannot explain. Even in this weird time of our world, the joy of bringing a baby into your life is seriously the best thing ever.
Bringing a baby into the world is like extending your heart and holding it in your arms. As they get older, it only gets more fun and exciting. I know it can be scary to think about bringing a baby into our world right now. Especially during a time where you’re trying to stay healthy because of how COVID-19 is being handled in our country. It is scary to think that you won’t be able to have the support you want or need in the hospital and postpartum. Trust me when I say this though, you will adapt and you will get through this with a smile on your face. All that will matter is holding that baby close to you once they’re here.
Although this can be a lonely time, it doesn’t have to be. When we had Hailey, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to be home by myself afterward. Taking care of two children alone all day, while trying to recover from giving birth was not going to be possible. I knew I would need help. I knew I needed to ask for it and just accept whatever may happen if I had help.
I’m going to go through my best advice for giving birth during the pandemic, in the same way I’d tell my best friend and in the same way I’d want someone to tell me.
Show off your bump. Get out in public and let people ask you the fun questions you get asked when you’re pregnant. Allow people to help you and enjoy this time! Wear your mask if you’re worried about getting sick, but most importantly, enjoy being out and getting the sweet smiles from other women that look at you and say ‘How far along are you? Is this your first? etc.’ ENJOY this! <3 Don’t keep yourself locked in your house because you’re afraid! Get out and see your family and friends and browse Target while it’s still easy for you to do without having to bring your whole house with you when your baby gets here.
Don’t go through this alone. I know it can be scary to think that someone who comes to your house ‘might’ be sick. It is scary. But what is scarier is depression. Postpartum depression. Postpartum anxiety. The feeling of being alone with a baby while you’re trying to recover. Make sure you have people scheduled to help you for at least a month after having the baby. I know that sounds like a long time but you will need the mental headspace, and the physical rest. Just asking someone to come over to help you clean, cook you a meal, or water your flowers so you can hold the baby without feeling overwhelmed will be a huge help.
Bring lots of snacks to the hospital. Our hospital didn’t have a place for us to get food from the inside except when we ordered food from the kitchen. They had set hours though. So if we were hungry past the time the kitchen closed we were SOL. My husband couldn’t leave the hospital to get us food either. We could get food dropped off to us though. Either way, prepare. Have snacks and lots of them in your hospital bag. Here’s what I suggest: Graham crackers, protein bars, electrolyte drinks or mixes, fruit (banana, apple, etc.) Pack snacks for both you and your husband!
The weeks leading up to your due date, start getting your house ready, asking your family and friends for help, and stocking your car with the necessities (water, snacks, and a trash bag).
I know only 10% of women’s water actually breaks but mine broke with both of my kids. My best suggestion for this - adult diapers. Buy some and keep them in stock at your house for ‘that moment'. They’re also helpful postpartum.
Don’t be afraid to tell people what you need. If someone says ‘what can I do for you’ or ‘what do you need’ - just tell them what you need. Ask them to pick up milk. Bring you food. Vacuum your floors. If you’re worried about bringing COVID into your home then have them wear a mask.
Speaking of mask. We had anyone (except Kyle and I) wear a mask anytime they held Hailey. Giving birth to her last June in the beginning of the pandemic we were just not really sure how to handle it. But we did ask people who held her to wear a mask and of course wash their hands.
Don’t be afraid to let people hold your baby. I know it is a scary thing that people might have COVID and can pass it to your child. If someone is healthy, doesn’t have a fever, is wearing a mask, and has washed their hands, and came to your house without stopping anywhere beforehand - then do not be afraid to let them hold your child. You have to trust that the people you’re letting into your home would never put you or your children at risk of getting sick. It is really sad that parents have gone through the past year without letting their children be held by other adults.
Stock up on medicine. I always like to have a variety of medicine at home but before we brought Hailey home I made sure we had - infant tylenol, benedryl, pedialyte, nasal saline spray, and zarbee’s cough medicine for kids.
Stock up on snacks. I guess this is a no-brainer but if you’re breastfeeding you’re going to be hungry - ALL THE TIME - I am still breastfeeding and am still hungry all the time. So make sure you have plenty of snacks. Fruit that is easy to grab, prep some sweet potatoes to grab and eat, avocado for avocado toast, protein bars and energy balls, etc. Being prepared will help you feel less overwhelmed.
Ask your doctor what their COVID protocol is. Here are some questions…
Will my husband be able to be with me while I get the epidural? If not, will I be able to lean on the nurse?
When do we have to wear a mask?
How often and when do I need to start getting tested for COVID prior to labor?
Do you have an exercise ball or peanut ball that I will be able to use during labor?
Will we be able to walk in the hallways at the hospital?
Is the cafeteria opened at the hospital?
Can we get food delivered to the hospital?
Will my husband be able to leave the hospital if we need anything?
If we need something dropped off - what do we have to do?
Hire a doula. Having a doula this pregnancy made a HUGE difference all-around for my mental and physical health. If this is your first pregnancy and you are nervous and your nerves are heightened because of the pandemic then hiring a doula will help you calm your nerves, and arm you with all of the information you need to know prior to giving birth. You will feel more confident and prepared to welcome your baby. The prenatal and postpartum support of a doula will make all the difference for you!
When it is all said and done you will have a beautiful baby in your arms. Try to enjoy this time. Don’t be too anxious about COVID-19 that you don’t enjoy the process. Enjoy your newly grown family. Enjoy your baby. Don’t get caught up in the stress of the pandemic. This is such an exciting time for you and your family and you deserve to enjoy it despite what’s happening in the world.
If you want to know more check out my workbook I created for expectant moms last winter. It is a great resource for you to get prepped and ready to welcome baby and enjoy your pregnancy!