Bringing home your newborn is a sweet, special time. Bringing home your newborn in the midst of a global pandemic is … well, we can imagine it’s likely not what you envisioned during these early days with your baby. 

It feels remarkably hard to plan for this unexpected and constantly-changing time in our lives, for nearly every aspect of our daily routines. But, for new parents, here are a few tips to help focus your efforts on the essentials. 

It’s okay to grieve the loss of what your original dreams for this time included.

This pandemic has uprooted the plans families across the entire world. So, while you’re certainly in good company, you are also still entitled to feel sad about the loss of those plans. Maybe you had planned to be supported by your parents, who now cannot safely travel to your home. Perhaps your sister, across continents is now prevented from arriving by travel bans. Or, more likely you’re dedicated to the act of social distancing, and doing your part in keeping our communities safe, and not accepting visitors or gatherings for the foreseeable future.

All of these things are things you have likely very much been looking forward to. Showing off our sweet new babies to the ones we love the most is the normal, beautiful part of postpartum. To have to do that through a video screen, or through a closed window to admiring grandparents feels heartbreaking. 

Honor those feelings. Give yourselves the space and time to grieve the loss of what you envisioned, and do all of this now, before you begin making plans for the new normal. 

Expect shipping delays. Start ordering postpartum essential supplies now.

Beyond the (unexplainable) runs on toilet paper our area has seen, online shopping is (understandably) up during this time period. Make a list now of your most-needed postpartum supplies (See our previous advice for setting up “nests” around your home to get you started for item to Add to Cart). Expect that it will take a little longer for those items to arrive (maybe budget in an extra week or more). 

Then, allow a few extra days for your packages to sit, untouched, in case there are any lingering germs on the packaging, just to be on the extra safe side. Focusing on what you can control (ordering and securing items that will make your postpartum experience a little easier) will help you feel a little more centered and back in the driver’s seat for this one small portion of the experience.

Identify your Virtual Village

Start making a plan for who in your life you can call, text, FaceTime, or Zoom conference in when things feel hard. Or, when things feel incredible. Make or use a chart (CLICK HERE FOR A FREE PRINTABLE to help!) to make note of who you can call, with their contact info readily available, and consider listing the areas in which you specifically want or need their support.

Also, go ahead and list the times of day which you can all these folks. Running out of ideas for infant soothing during the Witching Hours? Call your doula at 6:30 p.m. Need a pep talk at 2 a.m.? Dial up your sister on the West Coast, she’s probably still awake anyway! Want to connect with someone other than your baby or your partner for a bit? Set up a Zoom call with your circle of besties for a midday lunch catch-up or happy hour with a glass of wine in hand. 

Explore Telehealth options for your newborn’s pediatrician visits

Most insurance companies have loosened the guidelines for reimbursement around Telehealth appointments. Consider calling your intended pediatrician to confirm which appointments for your newborn are essential, and which could be done virtually. Then, ask what their procedure is for separating well-child visits from sick patients. Most Triangle pediatricians are limiting their well-child visits as much as possible and have taken special precautions (including having separate entrances or sealed off rooms just for sick patients) at this time. It will lower your own stress if you can hear directly from your baby’s pediatrician what their plan is, and you can begin to make your own plans for attending to your baby’s medical needs. 

Finally, call in the experts before you need us

Preschedule virtual postpartum doula support right now with our team. You’ll have your first-pick of appointment times, and have access to our team of skilled, professional doulas. 

We’re here to answer any and all questions about infant soothing and sleep (including strategizing with you on how to get you and your partner as much rest as possible in these early weeks). Plus, we can give guidance on baby care (like, tips for that first at-home bath, or how to change diapers without being peed on), and we can serve as an additional set of eyes and ears on your family, and help you stay ahead of a mood challenge (or help you seek help if you need it).

Having a newborn during a pandemic likely feels daunting and scary. The Great Unknown of New Parenthood almost always feels scary, pandemic or not. Please know that you’re not alone. We are here for you during this time, and always.