Pregnancy and COVID-19: Offering Your Support to Loved Ones
Birth is an exciting and daunting time under the best of circumstances. As we make our way toward the finish line with COVID-19, expecting families are still undergoing a challenging transition in a difficult environment.
If you want to do your part for expecting loved ones, but you’re not sure what that is, this guide presented by New Native is for you. Here’s a look at some effective ways you can support soon-to-be-parents right now:
Gift Ideas
Sending along supplies is always a worthwhile move:
- Check out this list of most useful baby supplies to find something they’ll truly need.
- Remember to check registries to avoid giving repeat gifts and consider gifting a New Native Baby Carrier.
- Consider a gift like a soundbar, which will allow you to wirelessly stream lullabies and soothing music for your baby.
Socially-Distanced Help
If you’re unable to receive a vaccine, here are some socially distanced ways to lend a hand:
- Offer to knock out any outside chores, such as mowing the grass or watering plants, on your loved ones’ behalf.
- Drop of pre-made meals or offer to pick up groceries.
- Give your loved ones a date night in by buying them a delivery meal from their favorite restaurant.
Vaccines and Visiting
If you’re fully vaccinated, you may be able to visit - but let your loved one take the lead:
- Although being vaccinated prevents serious illness and death, we still don’t know how well it prevents spreading the virus.
- Remember these dos and don’ts for visiting families with newborns.
- Many parents have avoided visitors for the first month well before COVID-19, as colds and other minor illnesses can be very dangerous for newborns.
- If you do visit, always wash your hands thoroughly before holding or interacting with the new baby.
As more and more people are able to get vaccinated, we will get closer to herd immunity and a return to normal socialization. In the meantime, focus on finding safe, effective ways to support your pregnant loved ones as they move through this stage and into the next.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Written by Kelli Brewer of DeployCare.org for New Native Inc.
