How to Keep Connected With Loved Ones During a COVID-19 Pregnancy
So you are pregnant in the world of social isolation and mandated quarantines? You are allowed to grieve all the things you have lost. You have lost your baby shower. You have lost your gender reveal party. You have lost your in-person family and friend support groups. You’ve even lost the ability to walk the aisles and shop for your new baby. Don’t even get us started on not being able to fulfill the midnight-cravings.
You are allowed to cry. This is not fair for anyone, especially healthy mothers carrying healthy pregnancies right now. With that being said, we are not 100% cut off from one another. Thanks to the internet, online shopping, and our amazing postal services, you can still stay connected to family and friends throughout the COVID-quarantine.
Staying Happy and Connected While Pregnant During COVID-19
Pregnancy can already be a lonely time for some women. Throw in not seeing those you love regularly, and it’s a recipe for disaster.
Facetime Regularly
If you aren’t an Apple carrier, create a zoom account and start enjoying those you love again! Set your pad or computer up and invite family and friends to login and see your growing belly for themselves!
Share a Heartbeat
At your next baby appointment, purchase (or bring) a few My Baby’s Heartbeat Bears to record your baby’s heartbeat into! If you are learning the gender and want to surprise your family afar, add a tutu or bowtie from the Gender Reveal Kit! You can put the box in the mail and wait for their excitement to start flooding in! They will be over the moon to be able to hear that tiny heartbeat over and over again.
Host a Mom-Chat
Mom-friends are like no other. They can include your mother, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, and peers. Set up a reoccurring block of time once or twice a week to zoom together. You can follow topics like a book club does with specific topics, or you can let the conversation flow naturally. Try to steer clear of talking about the virus and keep the conversation positive!
Pick Up the Phone
The next family or friend to send you a text message - go ahead and respond with a phone call! Hearing each other's voices will deepen a connection that is generally less impactful when only testing occurs. You’ll be surprised how good it feels to hear someone’s voice.
Set-Up an Online Registry
Your baby shower may be a bust, but you can still have fun setting up your registry! Send out e-vites for a virtual shower and let everyone know that there will be an in-person version after the virus has passed.
Splurge on Take-Out
This is the perfect time to taste test every local joint that offers curbside pickup or delivery. If you are feeling worried, wipe cartons down or transfer the food immediately to your own dish. This may not seem like it will bring you closer to your family and friends, but it will make you a much happier pregnant woman - and happier people spend more time with their loved ones!