When Covid-19 first reared its ugly head in the US during March of last year, it was a terrifying time for everyone; no matter how healthy you were, the idea of a novel disease sweeping the country was something no one would have dreamed of. It was especially a nightmare for moms to be. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first baby or your fifth; when you’re expecting, so much thought and worry go into your pregnancy and baby. Add a pandemic to that, and it’s a lot to take on. Thankfully, we’re over a year into it, and things are starting to look more “normal” as vaccines roll out and we gain more understanding of the virus. As mothers, we need to do everything we can to keep our babies and ourselves safe and healthy, so here are some ways to do that in the times we find ourselves.
Convenience Helpers
If you’ve had other children, you know the fantastic resource that friends and family (ahem, Grandparents) provide when you bring your little one home. This year, things may look a little different, and relatives and friends may not feel comfortable stepping up the way they used to. Now’s the time, then, to start subscribing to subscription services to provide the help you need and save the time you don’t have. Need groceries? There’s an app (or five) for that. Need diapers? They’re a subscription service for that. You get the idea. With social distancing guidelines and all your time and energy spoke for, consider subscribing to these services to lighten your load.
Fast Food
I’m not talking about the drive-through fast food here. Though the convenience and taste are delightful, fast food isn’t usually the healthiest choice you can make, and you need all the vitamins and nutrients you can get right now! Whether you decided to breast or formula feed doesn’t matter, but staying healthy does! Try supplementing one or two meals a day with a smoothie or shake. It’s a great idea to add a breastfeeding protein powder to them for optimum nutrition and energy. You could also make a week’s worth of overnight oats and having them on hand in the refrigerator. Oats pack a ton of health benefits and give you the energy you need to care for your growing family.
Love Yourself
Sure, you’re literally bursting at the seams with love for your new baby, but as they say – “If you can’t take care of yourself, how are you going to take care of someone else?” The answer is obvious; you really can’t. Try to find time during the day to nap, journal, take a bath, listen to a podcast, connect with loved ones via Zoom or Facetime. Whatever it takes to remind yourself you’re more than a mother. You’re your own person with feelings and needs too. Got some extra money in the budget? Get online and shop a little. Just make sure you’re doing these every day to show yourself, love. If you start to feel symptoms of anxiety and depression, you may be experiencing Postpartum Depression (PPD), and you must reach out to loved ones and your doctor. Most mental health appointments can be done virtually during a telehealth appointment, so there’s no reason not to make one.
Save the Date
Yes, going out can still be daunting, even though some things are improving. For some, the thought of the place they need to go “out” to be in a doctor’s office is intimidating and can cause some severe anxiety. But, the reality is, those well-baby visits are essential, and the appointments need to be kept. Your child’s pediatrician must be able to keep track of your baby’s progress and overall health, not to mention routine vaccinations and other checks.
Be a Helper
Lastly, if you’re reading this and know a mother that has recently brought a new baby home, reach out to her! Ask her what she needs and what you can realistically do for her. It’s still so hard to find people to babysit or watch children during the pandemic. Maybe you’re fully vaccinated and want to offer to watch the baby in their home for an hour while she sleeps. Perhaps just the act of asking what she needs makes the new mother or mother-to-be feel loved, and that’s all she needs. We’re all in this together, be a helper and lighten the load.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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