Imagine having a newborn now

By adamg on Sun, 04/05/2020 - 10:17am

WBUR talks to some members of a new-moms group - which meets online, of course.

Topics:

Parenting

Free tagging:

Covid-19

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Comments

Better a newborn than a pregnancy

By Tim Mc. on Sun, 04/05/2020 - 11:47am.

I can't imagine having to go to a hospital right now. (We actually did a home birth, but that's partly a matter of luck—having a low-risk pregnancy.) I've been hearing stories of women not being allowed to have their partner at their side.

My experience of having a newborn is that we pretty much stayed home and didn't have any visitors for a few weeks anyhow (other than the midwife and such.)

Just heard from somebody whose wife is due next week

By adamg on Sun, 04/05/2020 - 11:56am.

At a Boston hospital. He's not allowed in during pre-natal visits anymore, but, so far, they're still saying he can be with her during the birth.

Having just delivered, my

By anon on Sun, 04/05/2020 - 12:20pm.

Having just delivered, my experience has been that it is much scarier with the newborn than when I was pregnant. There was at least some semblance of a level of protection while pregnant (based on what I read about the virus not crossing the placenta), whereas now there is no protection other than isolation, we are paranoid even about bringing in deliveries, worried about exposure the few times my husband leaves to get essentials, and have added pressure to avoid doctor and hospital visits for issues unrelated to the pandemic (such as weight gain), on top of new parent anxiety.

Children and infants are largely unaffected

By Tim Mc. on Sun, 04/05/2020 - 3:26pm.

at least according to the last numbers I saw. You're at much more risk than your kid is.

I think it's still wise to be very careful bringing in deliveries (treating the package as potentially having the virus on it) and minimize non-essential medical visits anyhow, if that's any consolation.

Not so bad

By jered on Sun, 04/05/2020 - 12:57pm.

Our first child was born on March 9, and honestly this timing has been the best possible outcome. It's not like we'd be getting out of the house anyway, and he's too young to miss being social.

I feel much more for either parents who are soon due, or ones with 3+ year olds who want to get out and play. A newborn is no more stressful than normal, and a welcome distraction. This also keeps well-meaning family visitors away (unless you were counting on them for help).