Being pregnant is something that I’ve always looked forward to. Never in a million years did I think we would end up in a global pandemic during my first pregnancy. Has it ‘benefited’ me in certain ways? Sure. But has is also been a nightmare in certain ways? Abso-freaking-lutely.
Things that would usually be considered normal are simply no longer options. Husband coming to an OB appointment? Not allowed. Husband coming to an ultra sound? Not allowed. Birthing or parenting classes at your local hospital? Cancelled. Hospital tours? Cancelled. So many things are just plain different. Even having visitors at the hospital is questionable. I have time for things to change, but currently one support person is allowed and that is it. I am extremely grateful for this because I know some mamas have had to go without anyone earlier on.
Navigating through something so new during such an uncertain time has certainly had its challenges. I’ve mentioned before that I have my down days. It’s hard to feel completely lost, and without any resources to help. For instance, my hospital used to do ‘birth by design’ appointments where you could go in to work with someone in the birth center to make a birth plan, go over questions, they would show you around, etc. They are no longer doing this – and understandably so. But now I feel like I’m left to figure this out all on my own. I’ve seen a few pictures of the birthing area online, but otherwise don’t know what I’m walking into. Though, it’s not like I would be changing my mind and picking a different hospital post tour… It just seems so reassuring to sit with someone who does this every day to have that open conversation. I feel like I don’t even know what I should be thinking about. I’m sure I can find sample birth plans or templates online to help. But still… this is foreign!
It’s also a bit nerve-wracking to try to best prepare for the birthing/hospital experience when things can change at the drop of a hat. It just takes a re-tightening of the rules to completely change all of the restrictions that are currently in place. I’m a planner and like to be prepared, and it is so hard to do so when you don’t know what is to come. I guess that’s life. 🤷♀️
It’s also been hard to plan for family to get here. Of course my mom wants to be here for her new grand baby’s arrival! It’s just a bummer that flying isn’t the safest option right now, especially before being introduced to a newborn. Seattle to Denver is a quick 2 hour flight, but we would hate for her to have to self-quarantine for two weeks after getting here; that would defeat the purpose of coming early to help out! My doctor confirmed that driving would be safer as it poses less risk for exposure to others. Poor mom has to endure another 18 hour drive. 😭 She must really love me or something! 😉 I know we will make it work, and I know it will be great to have her here. I just wish it wasn’t such a headache to work it all out!
To end on a more positive note, while the pandemic has caused a tremendous amount of added stress and uncertainty to this time, it has allowed me to be at home, and truly take care of my body. Summer is normally an incredibly busy time for me at work, being wedding season. I spend many long days at work on my feet, and outdoors in the heat running around. Being home, I’ve been able to rest, fuel my body with healthy meal choices (usually 😂), and exercise at my convenience. I’ve been extremely lucky to have a pretty darn easy pregnancy so far. Though I don’t know how things would’ve turned out had I been working this whole time, I have to be grateful for how amazing I’ve felt, and the extra time I’ve had to focus on myself and this precious baby girl that will be joining us in just a few short weeks.
Hoping all of the other pregnant mama’s are hanging in there! We’ll all get through this and have some wild stories for these little ones once they arrive.
Laugh Often – Rachel
Simply Stoops 