How to Cope with AND Celebrate Postpartum During COVID-19

So much of what you have read and planned for in preparation for your immediate postpartum period may be starting to feel irrelevant or even impossible due to COVID-19. The postpartum period is about bonding with baby, healing after birthing, and adjusting to life with a new family member. Many of our clients share that they want their postpartum time to be celebratory– they just brought new life into the world, and just look at this beautiful baby. Additionally, they want and need support. If you, too, are having this experience, we hear you!

Austin Baby Guru is here to support your growing family during shelter in place, and in this article, we hope that you will find:

• Ideas for celebrating your family
• Resources for support and community
• A knowing that you are not alone in this experience

Please know that these ideas are simply ideas. You and your family will have to decide what you feel safe and comfortable with during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Celebrating Baby and Your Family’s Journey

When you get home, you’ll need time to rest, AND you’ll likely want to start introducing baby to your other loved ones. We have a few ideas for how you can celebrate baby and allow others to celebrate you and your family.

1. Hold the boundaries that make you feel safe. Even if family members say they have been social distancing and ask to come visit you and the baby, hold strong to the boundaries that make YOU feel safe. We should all be staying home as much as possible, and limiting contact with anyone we don’t live with. Boundaries might also include limiting news related to COVID-19 to one time a day or asking friends not to discuss the virus with you.
2. Invite people to bring food for a porch pick up. Food is one way that people can celebrate. As they cook for you, they are sending love and care your way. Allowing yourself to be fed and cared for is certainly a form of celebration.
3. Schedule a virtual meet the baby “party” or a window viewing. Do this only if/when you have the energy. Like we said in #1, you don’t owe anyone anything. If you have a big window where you and baby can sit, people can meet them from a safe distance.
4. Encourage friends and family to send cards or mail. Ask for what you need! Friends and family are usually eager to help, so if there’s something you need, or perhaps you’d like to be showered in cards or receive some fresh flowers delivered to your porch, ask your loved ones. 
5. Create a shared photo album online. You can share updates via photos with your whole family or friend group at once with shared albums. 

Seeking Support and Community

1. Prioritize sleep, hydration, and nutrition. Sleep when baby sleeps, always have a big glass of fresh water next to you, and snack often. The ways you nourish your body directly contribute to your healing, mindset, and connection to yourself and your baby.
2. Find gentle, supportive movement when your body is ready. If you feel safe walking, this is a perfect way to begin movement. Other ideas include functional movement and breathwork, like these beautiful practices from Love Over Fear Wellness and Birth.
3. Know the signs of postpartum mood disorder + have a plan. Risk factors for postpartum depression may be increased due to social isolation during the pandemic. If you have a partner, review the signs and symptoms with them, so that you can both be informed. Your plan can be quite simple; for example, have the name of 1-3 therapists you can call if you need help. The Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Alliance of Texas (PPHA) is also a great resource to have in mind, as they have a HelpLine and provider directory. 
4. Join an online parenting group or postpartum support group. In Austin, Partners in Parenting (PIP) is currently offering virtual groups. These are facilitated support circles with people who in live in your neighborhood. If you aren’t local, ask your OBGYN, pediatrician, and/or therapist for group recommendations in your area. Check out our updated blog for Austin-based virtual mom’s groups. 
5. Consider postpartum doula support– in-person or online. Some postpartum doulas are practicing strict social distancing and serving only 1 family at a time. If you feel comfortable having someone in your home, ABG would be delighted to support you. If in-home care is not an option for you, consider virtual support with us. Virtual postpartum doulas can still offer information, education, and emotional support at a distance! 
6. Connect with other support professionals virtually. Most birth professionals are offering virtual support due to COVID-19. For example, you can work with birth doulas, lactation specialists, therapists, pelvic floor therapists, and so on.

You are Not Alone

Your postpartum experience matters deeply to us at Austin Baby Guru. COVID-19 has presented us with uncertain and unprecedented times; furthermore, whatever you are experiencing, feeling, and thinking is valid. As you navigate your postpartum experience, we invite you to revisit these ideas for support, taking just one step after another. Little by little, you’ve got this. And through it all, you are not alone. We invite you to reach out if you need help getting started.