Having a newborn during a pandemic — Amy McKinnon Nutrition

This is something I never in my life thought I would be writing a blog post about or sharing my personal experience.

I didn’t truly know what a pandemic was until we were in one.

I had told my boss a week before California went into lockdown that I was pregnant with Alice. I was just over 12 weeks.

The silver lining to this was I spent the majority of my pregnancy working from home.

I could get up a little later, shower in between morning meetings, eat breakfast at my “desk” and do lunges and squats during conference calls to maintain good blood glucose levels.

The harder part was going to most of my OBGYN appointments on my own.

Alex got to come to the first two then I went to all my appointments in my 2nd trimester alone and thankfully Alex got to come to the final few leading up to the birth.

We didn’t see family at all really during this time. I was already categorized as a high risk pregnancy with my diabetes and I didn’t want to have the concern of getting COVID added to that list.

The hospital/birth experience was better than expected. I was quietly glad we couldn’t have visitors in the hospital.

I wanted that time to rest, recover and bond with Alice and Alex.

Although we spent only 24 hours after her birth in the hospital it was a time just for us.

*The first few days at home as a new family*

We did have to wear face masks in communal areas of the hospital but within the room I could be mask free.
They did a rapid COVID test upon my arrival into the labor and delivery ward which came back negative. Alex wore his mask while the nurses and doctors were in the room (they didn’t COVID test him), but when it was just us we were mask free.

Coming out of the hospital I was excited to be at home and in our own space but anxious and nervous about what this meant for a newborn who was yet to develop any immunity to the world, particularly COVID.

We had let close family know we were following CDC guidelines and recommendations from our pediatrician and would let them know when it would be safe, and we would be comfortable in having visitors to see Alice.

Not only was I concerned for Alice, but I also did not want to get COVID or get sick that would jeopardize me being able to care for Alice to the best of my ability.

We didn’t have any visitors for the first two weeks – it was bliss.
We were in our little bubble, caring for Alice, letting her slowly take in the outside world, get used to new noises, smells and blurry sight.

We very slowly let close family come and visit. First Alex’s mom, then brothers and sisters and a few close friends. Each at separate times so we didn’t have too many people at our place.

We followed most of the CDC guidelines – masks, hand sanitizer and washing but we allowed cuddles with Alice from our visitors.

To say I wasn’t anxious having visitors would be a lie. I didn’t know what the right thing to do was (I still struggle with this).

I know people who love and care for Alice wanted to visit her and I knew the pandemic was spreading, cases increasing and people growing weary of social distancing and not adhering to the guidelines.

We were the strictest within our family adhering to recommendations and thankfully so far we have remained safe and healthy.

With something so foreign I was torn between inner guilt and anxiety – not having a clear answer on what was best for everyone.

I often think of how it is for young children and Alice – seeing the world for the first time and seeing people with their faces covered in masks (except mum and Dad) – seeing smiles through eyes rather than mouths.

I have mixed feelings about having a little one in this crazy world of today.

It is bittersweet.

There are silver linings.

We have spent a lot of time together – Alice and I. We have really been able to connect, bond and get to know each other. Knowing her signals and signs when she needs something makes me a better mum.

We haven’t been overwhelmed or had a crazy social life that can be too much for a new mum and a new baby.

We have a routine and it works so well for us.

Yuki ゆき taking her baby sister to the dog park — Yuki *ゆき taking her baby sister to the dog park*

We get outside and enjoy the sunshine - in our own backyard but also on the trails, in nature or even on the local streets.

When I return to work shortly in March, I get to work from home.

It will be hard juggling work and mum life but at least I don’t get to miss out on her growing and changing every day.

It has been hard for family, mine in Australia, unable to visit or see Alice – probably not until she has turned 1.

Zoom has become the way of seeing others on a regular basis.

Mom’s group, music class, calls with family, Christmas and Thanksgiving.

*Christmas with my family in Australia (via Zoom)*

We are looking forward to when the world begins to turn somewhat normal, when we can spend quality time with family and friends without concern for our health or the health of others. And when Alice can see the smiles of all those around her.