From let’s introduce the new born kid to the mother’s first touch, to fearful
doctors whisking the newborns away from mothers at hospitals. COVID-19 has
really jarred the parenting experience to a large extent. It’s not a shocker that
cases of postpartum depression and anxiety have only risen since the pandemic
kicked in.
Everyone knows you can’t choose the world you live in but you definitely can
choose to elevate your life, and here are seven expert tips for surviving
pregnancy and new motherhood during the pandemic
- Silence is not the key.
Mental health is paramount; you need to be absolutely fine to take care of
not just yourself but all around you as well. If you are not at peace speak
to a therapist/psychiatrist. You could even start small by just talking to
someone you feel comfortable to vent out. Mothers judge themselves at
every step; this needs to stop and replaced with all the security in the
world. - Medicines are not bad.
Antidepressants don’t mean you are sick, they just mean you need a little
support, if your practitioner suggests taking them, be supportive. Truth be
told it is no different than taking an antibiotic in case of a sour throat.
Taking medicines is not a weakness; it’s the resilience you show to recoup
faster. - I’m not okay is also okay.
Even superwomen need to cry, rage, lie in bed and have a lot of #MeTime.
Sometimes being tough means, saying “No, I am not okay” out loud. More
importantly sometimes strength is accepting you are not fine at the
moment. - Is Breastfeed a Game Changer?
For the longest time it was said, do what’s best for the baby, however the
reality is do what’s best for you and the baby, breastfed or not, nothing is
above a mom’s mental and physical health. If breastfeed doesn’t work for
you try it another way. Nothing is a game changer except how you feel
about things. - Help shall always be given to those who ask for it.
Doing everything yourself will burn you out, get creative and ask for help.
There’s no shame in admitting that you can’t do it all, no one can, but with
the right succor, all can be achieved for sure. - Learn to say NO!
COVID is exhausting and so is telling “NO” to your family for little things, but
saying it makes life easier. Start practicing self love and abandon the
without any reason guilt you continuously expose yourself to. - It’s time to make some mommy friends.
You need someone who says, “I get it. I’ve been there, too. It’s okay to feel
this way.” Even in COVID times, we need support via phone calls and
Zoom chats. Also, don’t underestimate the power of group text messages.
Pandemic or no pandemic, take the leap of faith, you only get one life, pluck up
the courage and the self-confidence to just Live it Up! Figure out what makes you
happy and just go for it. In the interim here’s a shout out from the world for
being the coolest COVID mom there is. Cheers!
Written and submitted by Ms.Sanjula Miglani