Physical distancing, not social distancing
While the Covid-19 pandemic is causing obvious disruption to our normal way of life, the less visible impact is the strain on people’s mental health, especially for pregnant women and new parents.
Pregnancy can be an anxious time for any expectant mother, but with the added heightened anxiety about their own health, that of their unborn or newborn baby and the birth process – it’s enough to put any new parent on edge.
In this blog, we explore a topic that is very dear to our hearts at Hatched Antenatal – how you look after yourself and your baby in your first few weeks at home. Even more importantly, right now, how do you care for yourself and your precious newborn in isolation or lockdown without friends and family there to support you.
Our aim is to step in and arm you with a few tips, tricks and ways you can feel supported:
1. Online resources. The list is endless, and sometimes that in itself can be overwhelming! Here are a few of our personal favourites:
- Websites: Baby Help & Hatched Antenatal
- Podcasts: Motherness & Kiwi Birth Tales
- YouTube: Emily Norris, How to Dad & Tips for Dad from Sanford Health
2. Video Calls. with friends and family. Even though your support networks can’t be there with you, get on a video call, make the most of seeing some friendly faces and get as many tips and tricks from loved ones as you can.
3. Phone/video contact with your midwife. Your midwife will be on the phone and briefly popping in to do crucial check ins. If you have a good relationship, give them the odd FaceTime call too.
4. Create or join a Facebook group. Hatched uses Facebook groups to connect our online course students, join one of ours or create one with other friends who you know are pregnant.
5. Get social. You probably already follow other mums on your social networks, reach out, have a chat, let them know how you’re going. Many of them would love to hear from you and will be up for a chat.
Helpful information and support from loved ones is so important during pregnancy and in the newborn stage, but so too is having time out. Don’t forget to take time for you wherever possible, even if it’s 10 minutes to take a hot shower, drink a coffee in the sun or even better, take a nap. We want you to feel supported and cared for, but not overwhelmed. Take it day by day and if you’re not coping with the level of information swirling around you, switch off and recharge. It will all be here for you when you need it.