I wouldn’t say being pregnant during a pandemic has been the most ideal situation, but I will say I’m grateful to be further along where I know my mini is safe and cozy for the time being. With the worldwide stress and uncertainty everyone is feeling right now, being out of work, adjusting to this temporary “norm,” and being distanced from loved ones, I’m also worrying about bringing new life into the current climate and just keeping us both safe.
Due to the social distancing rules in place (which I’m all for), baby appointments are different, in-person baby classes are cancelled, hospital and pediatrician interviews + tours are not a thing, so preparing for our mini has taken an unconventional turn.
How I’m Preparing For Mini
Thankfully, the world has gone virtual and classes and doctors appointments are being offered online. They are just as in-depth as in-person classes so I don’t feel robbed 100%, just 90% 😉 Some ways I am preparing for mini are with some virtual courses I found online + baby apps that are being regularly updated with COVID-19 rules/updates/recs.
+ Tinyhood is a great online course that offers parenting classes and is currently offering some free breastfeeding courses during COVID-19. It is taught by professional experts and you can refer back to the classes whenever you want. I’ve been watching the courses on breastfeeding to help me prepare, learn what to expect and get some faq’s answered. You can access these courses here.
+ I’ve been reading up on helpful articles that Babylist and The Bump app have put together to figure out what to pack in my hospital bag, how many diapers a baby goes through in a day / month / year (6 to 9 in ONE day!!!!!) and how to make a safe nursery to bring baby home to.
+ Taking Cara Babies is another online resource that will help you sleep train your baby and set you up for success throughout different stages of her life. I’m so thankful this is offered online because this is something I want to get right the second I bring her home. If you know me, sleep is VERY important to me and I need her to know that for the beginning lol.
+ Staying positive is harder than it sounds, but I’ve been trying to just focus on the good and not the bad. At the end of this, I’ll have a little bundle of joy and she’ll be the light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, my birthing experience will no doubt be different, but it will also give Devin and I alone time to really bond with her in the hospital and for that, I’m grateful.
I know I have a lot of women who read my blog that are currently pregnant and trying to navigate this throughout this pandemic. I hope these links and resources will be useful to you and provide some comfort to you along the way. We’re in this together and we’re stronger together.
xx Raquel