Nine ways to prepare for a newborn during coronavirus pandemic

Very few things compare to the joy of awaiting a newborn. Families do everything they can to prepare for the new member of the family and wait with bated breath for ‘The baby is here’ call. 

But things have changed with the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing has been enforced throughout the world making it difficult to not only prepare for the coming of the baby but also to welcome the little one once he arrives.

If you’re expecting your little bundle of joy during this troubling time, read on for a few tips on how to prepare for his arrival.

1. Find out what measures your hospital of choice is taking as regards delivery

With social distancing, we have been discouraged from going to hospitals unless it is extremely necessary. Childbirth falls in this category. The hospital you hope to deliver in will have put measures in place to ensure that mothers who are coming to deliver are catered for and kept safe. 

Ask them what you’ll be required to do when you arrive. Do you proceed to the reception as per usual or have they made new arrangements for mothers? How about partners? Can you bring someone along for support during the process? Ask about who will be available to attend to you, how long you'll be kept in the hospital and arrangements they've made to ensure social distancing is practised in the wards.

2. Organise check-ups with your gynaecologist

There are scheduled checkups that mothers-to-be must have during their pregnancy. And as you get closer to delivery, your checkups are more frequent. Speak to your gynae about these. Ask if you’ll continue going to his clinic or if they can come home. Unless you’re having a difficult pregnancy, your doctor should be able to monitor you and the baby's progress from home. Find out what you’ll do about any scans and tests that you might need to have. Will you need to go to the clinic or hospital for them? What arrangements have been made to keep you safe?

3. Consider alternative birth options

If going into a hospital right now isn’t your cup of tea you might want to consider other options such as a home birth. While many doctors insist that it’s better to give birth in a hospital where medical professionals can monitor you, you can have a safe home birth. 

The current curfew which restricts movement at night might also make it difficult to get to a hospital on time should you go into labour at night. If things get difficult, you might need to have your baby at home. Prepare for this and find out if you can have your doctor or midwife on call to guide you.

4. Arrange for support

If your hospital won’t permit your partner to be present during the birth, you will need to organise for alternative sources of support. This can be in the form of video calls, calming music, a comforting item like a charm that has some meaning to you, a photograph, etc. You might not be allowed to have these things in the delivery room but you can have them with you in the ward to give you some form of comfort. These might not be the same as having your family around but it’s better than nothing. 

5. Prepare a mode of transport beforehand

The Ministry of Health has organised free transport for expectant mothers during the coronavirus pandemic. If you prefer to get your own means, ensure you’ve worked out the logistics beforehand. In case of an emergency, you won’t be in the frame of mind to start looking for a cab or an ambulance. Have these sorted out ahead of time and have those numbers on speed dial. Ensure that your partner or next of kin has them too.

6. Look after your mental health

Life is very stressful at the moment so it’s understandable that your mental health will suffer. But you can prevent a mental breakdown by ensuring that you surround yourself with positivity. Avoid toxic people. Speak to your doctor, therapist, good friend or partner about your fears. Focus on the positives like your growing family. Take it one day at a time focusing on what is currently at hand rather than on the future which is uncertain. Eat well and exercise. These measures will help keep anxiety and anxiety-related complications at bay.

7. Financial preparation

There’s no denying that the pandemic has brought with it a financial strain. And a new baby isn’t going to make it easier. For instance, you’ll need to buy diapers and formula for the baby. The new mother will need to eat well so she can produce breast milk.  Look for ways to ensure your money lasts as long as possible. 

If you have an NHIF card, make use of it. They pay for the hospital bed if you choose to go to a private hospital. There are some hospitals where all you’ll need is the NHIF card to deliver. Buy diapers wholesale or shop any sales that there might be. Any amount of money you’re able to save will do you good in the long run. 

8. Ask for help

Expectant mothers have been asked to stay at home to lessen the chance of infection. If you need to buy baby’s things, why not ask a friend or your partner to do it for you. You can give them a list, and clearly state what you like. With the use of smartphones, they can consult you every step of the way. They can send photos of what they find or even have a video call to show you what is available. You can also shop online and have your purchases delivered to you. This might not be as exciting as actually doing the shopping yourself, in person, but for now your safety and that of your child is paramount so where you can, ask others to help out. 

9. Eat well

Even as you prepare for the coming of your little one, remember to look after yourself. Follow your doctor’s meal recommendations and take your supplements. Even as you look to satisfy your cravings, look for healthier alternatives. Eat immune-boosting foods as well as an extra precaution.

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