Ways to Support Expecting & New Parents During COVID-19
Starting a family is an exciting prospect, but it’s also often an incredibly scary one. New parents need our support in the best of times, and that’s truer than ever in the midst of a pandemic. However, it’s also harder than ever. Our ability to meet with new parents in person is rife with risks, and many of the time-honored ways to help out aren’t really safe right now.
The good news is, there are still ways to show how much you care. Joanna’s Nannies has gathered the following resources to inspire you to find new, low-risk ways to support expecting families and their bundles of joy. Take a look!
Throughout The Pregnancy
Little treats will show your expecting loved ones that you care:
Get your loved ones a gift certificate to a store that carries both maternity and baby items, like Old Navy or Target.
Another great gift idea is a care package filled with favorite treats and supplies for an at-home spa day.
Running errands is a great gift, so offer to go pick up their groceries or any baby gear they might need.
Gifts for the at the hospital, such as games to pass the time or a delivery gown for comfort, are an excellent way to show you care.
Early Days
New parents can use anything that cuts down on their workload:
If they have pets, offer to pet sit for the first couple of weeks while they adjust to the new family member.
Freezer meals, or ordering delivery dinner, are great ways to give new parents a quick and easy way to grab a bite.
Respect the new parent’s rules on visiting, and don’t take a no-visit policy personally.
If you know your mom-to-be will need extra help once the baby’s born, look to gifting them newborn care services through Joanna’s Nannies.
Helping In-Person
If you take plenty of precautions, you can help them in-person with minimal risk:
Take care to self-isolate starting at least a month before your loved one’s due date, since it’s only an estimate and slightly early deliveries are common.
If you’re staying with the new parents, follow CDC guidelines for limiting transmission within households.
Be extra mindful of handwashing, social distancing, and mask-usage before and after the birth.
Finding safe, low-risk ways to support expecting and new families allows us to create a new normal in the face of uncertainty. Focus on making life easier for expecting parents in ways that keep them healthy along the way!
Many new parents are feeling overwhelmed while juggling remote work and children at home. If you or someone you know could use a helping hand with a newborn or their children, turn to Joanna’s Nannies for expert nanny and newborn care services.
Guest Blog: Emily Graham