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Covid-19: A Guide for Moms
This year has ce rtainl y been ch allen gin g and unce rtain , testin g ou r faith , resilience and hum an com passion . W ith the addition of pregnancy hor6. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mones and pregnancy aches and mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tispains, this may all be overwhelming for sue and discard tissue immediately. you and your family. You may not have 7. Keep a safe 1m distance from the next your much awaited baby shower, gender person. reveal celebrations, babymoons (for the 8. It is recommended you take the flu vacolder generation like me, it means a holiday cine. Please discuss this with your gynae. before the baby is born). But I can assure Risk to mum you, the moment your little one is here the Evidence suggests that pregnant women overwhelming love and awe you will have are at no greater risk of becoming seriously is unimaginable. It evokes every sense of unwell if you develop coronavirus. fulfilment and the journey will all have been You are however at higher risk if you are: worth it. • Older than 35 Here are a few tricks and tips to keep you • Obese and your precious cargo safe: • Pre-existing medical conditions like hyper1. If you have any symptoms call your tension/diabetes gynae immediately. A Covid-19 test will be Risk to your unborn baby ordered. Symptoms include a fever, headAs this is a new virus, we are just beginning aches, muscle aches, cough, sore throat and to learn about it. Vertical transmission (in breathlessness. the womb) from you to the baby is rare, but 2. Wear a mask at all times. possible. Current evidence suggests that 3. When you arrive at the gynaecologist even if baby develops coronavirus soon after offices, call the rooms and wait in the car birth, these babies are well and it has no until it is your turn. Enter the consulting impact on baby’s development. You can rest rooms when it is safe to do so. easy, your little one is safe in your belly. 4. Sanitise your hands before entering the I wish you the best on this journey! rooms, after you touch any surfaces and on leaving. By Dr Navashree Dhaver, obstetrician and gynaecologist - 5. Do not touch your nose, eyes or mouth Umhlanga and St Augustines Hospital. with unwashed hands. Admission rights at Life Health Care Facilities.
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Mental Health Tools for New Parents Amid Covid-19 Fo r ne w parents , the realit y of soci al dist ancin g and wide lock down durin g the Covid-19 pandemic presents ch allen ges and conce rns over and abo ve the bi rth li vin g in a an array of thei r chil nation of ne d. w F rom cancelled baby showers to prenatal “These feelings have been compounded by appointments over WhatsApp, being the lockdown, because parents are not able pregnant and giving birth during a pandemic to receive physical support from family and can further add to feelings of frustration, friends during this time” fear and isolation commonly associated Dr Manyonga offers some advice to new with postnatal depression. parents in navigating the Covid-19 lockdown
“As the body’s hormone levels return to with their babies: pre-pregnancy levels, feelings of intense Call your midwife – check-ups with healthemotion and exhaustion are normal in the care providers in the days after birth, as well days after birth. Many women develop as the six-week mark are key to ensure that overwhelming feelings of sadness, detachboth mom and baby are doing well. New ment, irritation and fear after their baby moms are encouraged to speak about their is born,” says Dr Howard Manyonga, an mood and any concerns they have during obstetrician and Head of The Birthing Team. these visits.
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Reach out to family and friends, virtually
– many parents are finding it difficult to not see loved ones during the lockdown. Not having your family meet your child face to face can be upsetting, but it is important to remember you are not alone during this period. Connect with loved ones using digital platforms such as Skype and Zoom. Make use of a counselling service – talking through difficulties can be a huge help in managing feelings of depression and anxiety after the birth of your child. If you have a designated psychologist or therapist, ask if you can do telephonic consultations. Additionally, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) offers free counselling and 24- hour helplines.
Reframe your lockdown outlook – a change of perspective can help manage feelings of anxiety during this period. Rather than thinking about how you are stuck inside or stuck at home, consider it as you are keeping your family safe and you are able to spend extended periods of time bonding with your baby. It is a special time for both parents to be able to fully work together to support one another and their child. Source: www.thebirthingteam.co.za
