Raising a baby in a Pandemic world

Pregnancy brings joy and expectation — about being a mother and raising a boy — as well as apprehension about giving birth and, finally, becoming a parent. Multiple doctor's appointments, medical testing, and constant reminders on what you can and shouldn't eat intensify the concerns. COVID-19 has cut families off from their friends and family members, the support networks that young and seasoned mothers depend on to cope with their anxieties and express their joys. Unpredictability around operations, new worries regarding viral exposures, and heightened postpartum stress on mental health have also been introduced to the equation.

I’m sure many of you have been waiting for your baby’s arrival and trying to prepare as much as you can. You might have researched about organic baby clothes and worrying about which muslin wraps to buy. But no matter how much you prepared, nobody anticipated a pandemic. So it must be stressful trying to protect you and your family. So we have tried to help you navigate through these difficult times by helping you with some frequently asked questions.

Preparation:

I am sure it is stressful for expecting parents, trying to balance the anticipation of the baby’s arrival and balancing your mental health being cooped up in your house all day. As parents you would want the safest possible options for your child and do everything in your power to make it happen. But remember to relax and take precautions, make a list of important things and try to follow it religiously.

Develop a routine to stay indoors:

Maintaining bedtime and other rituals is more critical than ever during a pandemic. They give the day a semblance of structure, which gives reassurance in an unpredictable moment. Routines that are consistent but versatile enough to satisfy individual needs support all children, especially teenagers.

Plan ahead your day. Establish new daily schedules now that the normal habits have been thrown off. When needed, take a break from schoolwork. Planning can be helped by older children and teenagers, but they can stick to a general order, such as:

 wake-up activities, getting ready, eating, and some active play, followed by relaxed play and a snack as a step into coursework.

Identification:

Most babies show milder or they are asymptomatic. In some rare cases, babies show severe symptoms and even require hospitalization.It is advisable to always look out for symptoms and stay in touch with your paediatrician.

Symptoms include

-        Runny nose

-        Fever

-        Cough

-        Shortness of breath

-        Diarrhea and exhaustion

If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately contact your pediatrician and ask for medical advice. Do not at all cost try to manage the situation on your own, it is in your best interest to always take help from a trained professional.

How to deal if your baby tests positive for Covid 19:

When you are a parent, keeping your baby healthy is a top concern. There are still many facts about the long term effects of Covid 19 that are unknown, so it is okay to be concerned. Most of the covid 29 cases are adults, but it is always advisable to stay cautious

According to studies babies that are more vulnerable to Covid 19 include

-        Babies with congenital heart disease

-        Babies suffering from genetic conditions

-        Autoimmune diseases

Prevention

Social distancing is one of the most effective ways to keep you and your baby safe during the Pandemic. Other tips include:

-        Avoid crowds

-        Maintain social distancing

-        Wear masks at all times

-        Practice good hygiene

-        Limit visitors to outdoor spaces and practice social distancing

-        Don’t let anybody touch your baby

Should my baby wear a mask?

Masks are generally not recommended for toddlers and children under the age of two.  Adults and children over two in your household should wear masks outside the home when social distancing (six feet) cannot be maintained. Coronavirus is spread primarily through respiratory droplets. Wearing masks is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others. By keeping you safe, you protect yourself and others from risk of contracting the virus.

Is breastfeeding safe?

The Academy Of American Pediatrics advises that breastfeeding is safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Even mothers that are suspected or confirmed cases of the Covid 19 virus have been encouraged to breastfeed. Mask wearing and frequent hand washing are important in these cases.It is not suspected that COVID-19 can be transmitted through breast milk. Experts agree that antibodies, antiviral properties, and other benefits that breastfeeding offers is extremely beneficial for the baby.

AUTHOR’S BIO:

I am Lana Murpy, a post-graduate in humanities and communications, and an inquisitive person who loves writing. My forte is digital marketing and everything that has to do with phones and screens. I’m working for Tiny Twig . I am someone who believes that one person can make a change and that's precisely why I took up writing which is the best tool to communicate these days. I have a decade of experience in writing and marketing.