How quarantine can be a great time for you and your newborn?
Image by Stephanie Pratt from Pixabay
Bringing home a new baby is an exciting and meaningful time in anyone’s life. It is understandable that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made many new parents uncertain about how to make the most out of this time with a newborn. Here are five ways that you can make this time with your new family member as meaningful as possible during a period of quarantine.
Have a plan
Having a baby necessitates that you have a plan in place in order to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Making a plan is particularly important during this global pandemic when there is already so much uncertainty. For example, if you have other children, you need to consider who will care for them when you are in the hospital in a way that minimizes the risk of contracting the virus. It is also important that you fully understand the hospital regulations and restrictions before you arrive to deliver the baby. Equipping yourself with this knowledge will help you to enjoy the birth and be more present in the experience so that you can begin bonding with your newborn right away.
Utilize telemedicine
As a result of the pandemic, many healthcare providers are providing access through the use of telemedicine. This means that you can potentially meet with your physician online instead of going into the office and putting yourself at risk. While this is no substitute for regular physical checkups for your newborn, there are situations in which it is prudent to book a telemedicine appointment rather than getting out in public. Telemedicine is especially appropriate if you just have basic questions about the care of your new baby that does not require a physical examination. Sometimes all a new parent needs is a little reassurance that they are doing a good job and that the baby looks healthy. This is where telemedicine can be an invaluable resource that you can lean on from the safety of your own home.
Document this special time
You will never get these special moments back. However, you can take the steps to document these memories in a variety of ways. Taking pictures of your new bundle of joy and the expanding family unit is an ideal way to commemorate this time. There are many photographers that are still able to take photos for you with the proper safety precautions. Search for someone in your area. For example, if you live in Texas you might search for newborn photographers in Austin. Wherever you are searching be sure to look for professional and friendly service. Other ideas to document this time include making a scrapbook or keeping a journal. It may be hard to imagine it now, but there will come a time when you want to look back and remember all of the details of this time period.
Cherish the extra family time
One of the silver linings is this health crisis is the extra family bonding that this time will afford you. With so many businesses shut down or mandating that employees work from home, this potentially gives you extra time with your baby. Your spouse may also enjoy more time at home, enhancing the opportunities to bond as a family. In addition, the effects of the quarantine mean that you are not expected to leave the house as much as typically would be required. Using this extra time to bond with your baby will help to create lasting connections.
Harness technology to involve family
You may be disappointed to learn that you cannot introduce your new pride and joy to your extended family right away before social distancing regulations. Fortunately, today’s technology makes it easier than ever to connect socially with your loved ones online. Perhaps you want to host a virtual party to introduce your new baby to the family? Or plan regular video conferencing sessions so that grandparents and other extended family and friends can feel as if they are part of this special time. Although there is no substitute for meeting in person, these technologies can help others to feel involved and assist the entire family in bonding with the baby.
Make the most out of this unique era in history by using the time to bond with your precious family addition. A quarantine mandate is a perfect excuse to stay home and cuddle with your newborn.
Author BIO
Samantha Higgins is a professional writer with a passion for research, observation, and innovation. She is nurturing a growing family of twin boys in Portland, Oregon with her husband. She loves kayaking and reading creative non-fiction. If you are looking for a newborn photographer in Austin, try Silver Bee Photography.