TIPS FOR WELCOMING A NEW BABY DURING COVID-19

Dr. Shachi Joshi, Specialist Obstetrics & Gynaecologist from JBR – Medcare Medical Centre

The current coronavirus pandemic has transformed a whole lot of things including parenting especially for first-time parents. Bringing a newborn home from the hospital is another major concern during this pandemic. With the right precautions, like hand washing and social distancing, increases the chances for you, your new baby, and the rest of your family to remain healthy. 

Here are some tips to help get through a challenging time:

1. FOLLOW UP VISITS (for mother and baby):

To help protect yourself and your new baby, you must follow the advice of your pediatrician on how long to isolate from others and how and when to schedule follow up visits. Most pediatricians have special time set aside for newborns to be checked and weighed and are expanding the use of telehealth for questions and concerns. It is advised to go for routine postnatal gynaecologist visits too.

2. ENJOY BONDING TIME WITH BABY:

In normal times, we advise limiting visits to healthy relatives and friends, washing hands, and no kissing on face or hands. Right now, even this is too dangerous as some people might be contagious and not have any symptoms. Be firm about not having visitors during the time period advised by your pediatrician. Let people know that this is how they can express their love for the baby right now.

3. KEEP IT VIRTUAL:

In today’s time there are so many ways you can connect virtually with friends and family. Our phones, computers and even webcams can be used to interact. It is essential to stay connected in the unprecedented and isolated times of COVID. You have so many online mediums that enable you to stay in touch in the times of COVID. The audio and video chats with your near and dear ones will help you to ease out your stress and make you feel positive about the whole new situation of parenthood. You can also follow this checklist to maintain child safety at home to protect it from virus & other harm

4. BREASTFEEDING DURING COVID-19:

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the virus cannot pass through breast milk and infect a baby. However, if you are a new mother and have tested positive for COVID-19 you should take extra precautions. Washing hands and wearing a mask while breastfeeding is recommended. Use someone else’s help for changing the baby’s diapers and other activities. Please continue breastfeeding. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has also approved the safety of the vaccine during pregnancy and breastfeeding so please get vaccinated to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

5. SHARE YOUR FEELINGS:

Parenting is a challenge, even on a good day. If you're depressed or you're having trouble adjusting to life with a newborn, consult your health care provider or a mental health provider. Learning to handle the new stress in your life can help you enjoy the riches parenting has to offer.