Mommas in 2020

Being pregnant can be HARD. Being a mom can be HARD. Being a human during the corona virus pandemic is HARD.

Lauren here! I wanted to reach out and give my take on being postpartum during corona virus, as well as, provide some tips to help love on all mommas and mommas-to-be during this time.

Personally, I was INCREDIBLY lucky in that I was 3 weeks postpartum before the corona virus hit. The hardest part of my immediate postpartum experience with covid was redirecting my “type A” personality plans for maternity leave. I had plans to be surrounded with my family, plans to make it to therapy, chiropractic, and doctors’ appointments, plans to…leave the house essentially.

For several weeks, we chose not to have any visitors during the pandemic. Again, super lucky that Reece is a good baby, but this meant being at home with a newborn by myself most of every day. Those weeks were tough and a little lonely. I missed my family and I would have done about anything for a massage and chiropractic adjustment.

What helped? I had to decide and commit to changing my mindset. I reminded myself that everyone is affected by this, not just me. How lucky was I that was at home, safe and sound, with my baby during these crazy times? I truly tried to soak up every second of maternity leave with my little man.

So, if you are pregnant or postpartum in this time, my first piece of advice would be to shift your mindset to something positive when you can. I would also advice you to set clear boundaries on what you are comfortable with as far as contact/visitors and stick to your guns! We are not here to judge what you decide is best for your family and no one else should either.

Now, if you are reading this as a friend or family member of a momma or momma-to-be, RESPECT their wishes. Everyone has their own views and comfort levels with the virus, and we need to be respectful of the boundaries set.

If momma has wishes of zero contact currently, some fun ideas to support her include

· SNAIL MAIL. When is the last time you received a hand-written card?

· Door dash her lunch or email a Starbucks gift card

· Have a zoom date

· Offer to pick up her groceries

If mommas allowing some contact here are more ideas:

· Food/ Meal Train (even better if you stay and take care of the baby while they eat)

o https://lilynicholsrdn.com/real-food-postpartum-recovery-meals/

o https://www.peanutblossom.com/blog/30-days-mommy-meals/

· Offer to babysit, even if just for an hour so she can nap

· Come over and help “nest”/organize the baby’s room

· Go get pedicures

· Get outside for a walk together

Additional always nice ideas:

· Text and ask HOW SHES DOING!

· Ask if she needs anything while you are at the store

· Be a positive influence! There is so much negative on the news, out in the world to cause anyone stress currently. Having positive, joyful people in our lives is so important.

These times are hard on everyone. Throw in being pregnant or having a newborn, hormones, body changes, etc. it is a lot! Know that we are all cheering for you over here and we hope you continue follow us for some laughs, advice, and fun