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inthistogetherdoula

April•postpartum doula•certified lactation counselor•parent educator•
education-support-confidence
Bellies-Babies-Boobs-Mugs
@mugsformoms_thatmuglife

{Pregnancy & covid} Can’t say the last 9 months

{Pregnancy & covid}

Can’t say the last 9 months have been easy. Throw a global pandemic in the mix and it’s really been a wild ride. Here’s to all the expectant parents that had to hear their babies heartbeat for the first time thought a phone. Who weren’t able to attend any prenatal doctor visits or see their sweet babies face on an ultrasound. Thankful for a husband who despite the world burning around us has made sure that I never once felt alone. 2020 was a shitshow. I won’t sugarcoat it. And 2021 isn’t off to a great start but I have a feeling in a few days our world is about to get a while lot brighter. Were ready when you are, baby girl.
#pregnancy #firsttimemom #newparents #motherhood #postpartumdoula #asseenincolumbus #columbusohio

He watched the evolution of these women into mothe

He watched the evolution of these women into mothers. The way they prepare, and research. The challenges they face. He sees how they sacrifice. The way they live out the job. The way that they are already the best moms for their babies and that having someone else to tell them so matters. He would see them at home, needing adult interaction, someone to talk to. And it wasn't just about them, he knew the kids needed it too. These women in changing roles needed connection, a sounding board, reality checks, friendship. Having two boys of his own, he knew that motherhood is a group sport. Not devoid of a father's input, but unique in a way that means women have a way of relating to each other that is special. He knew he could and did listen, but also knew that he couldn't always relate. That they needed each other for the "yes, it'll be ok."

He saw the need and he acted. He asked a simple question...

Link in bio ❤️

#postpartum #newmom #motherhood #inthistogetherdoula #support #encouragement #bekind #distancednotdisconnected #community #clintonvilleohio #covid_19 #kindness #asseenincolumbus #columbusohio

{Pregnancy, Birth & Covid} My experience may be a

{Pregnancy, Birth & Covid}
My experience may be a little different than others, as this was my 2nd baby and I work in the hospital. So, I was familiar with what my birth and stay in the hospital would look like. I also really feel for the 1st time moms who didn't get to experience a baby shower with their family and friends.

I am very lucky to have 2 of my best friends who work in the hospital as well. I was able to still see them daily and they were very supportive. My 3 childhood friends and myself started a weekly zoom call to stay connected. We chose not to see our families for a few months in the beginning but still did frequent face time calls, as I'm very close with my family.
I am also surprisingly close with our mailman. I would see him throughout the week, and he would tell me about other expecting moms in the neighborhood. Through him, we formed a neighborhood mom group, which was fun. Due to the pandemic, we didn't get together much, but we have a group chat going via text. My first child was born in November, so even though he wasn't born during COVID, we had to stay indoors a lot bc of the cold. Luckily, with #2 coming in July, I was able to get out and walk several times throughout the week, which mentally was much needed.

Having no visitors in the hospital wasn't a big deal, as we were only there for a little more than 24 hours. However, it was very strange to have my parents, in-laws, and siblings come meet the baby wearing masks. No one really held her due to everything going on, which makes me sad because she's getting big so fast. We also chose not to do newborn pictures, something we did with my first born, and that makes me sad to not have those memories.

The most challenging thing for me during my pregnancy and recovery, was finding ways to entertain my toddler during the pandemic. With play cafes, the zoo, and COSI not open, and parks for a good amount of time, it was hard finding ways to get his energy out, especially when I had none:) I felt very supported during my pregnancy. I think the pandemic helped me talk to friends/family more often than I used to and I hope that continues. #birth #parenting #postpartum #support

{Pregnancy, Birth & Covid} I’ve felt incredibly

{Pregnancy, Birth & Covid}
I’ve felt incredibly supported during my postpartum journey despite what’s been happening in the world during 2020. It started with hospital staff who took amazing care of me, Tony and baby Anthony while making sure to keep everyone safe along the way. The meals poured in from friends after we arrived home, and though some of them looked like porch drop offs instead of extended visits, that extra bit of support was such a blessing. During the first few weeks of Anthony’s life, I had some pretty dark days. He has a milk protein allergy that had not yet been diagnosed and no matter what I tried to make him more comfortable, nothing worked. We finally identified the cause and once I eliminated dairy, he was a different baby. A happy one! Those nights and days weren’t easy and the tears were abundant, but we made it. We humans always do!
The main feeling for me was that of failure. Both while we were trying to figure out his stomach issues and when we were starting to learn of his milk protein allergy. The former because I felt like I’d “tried everything” and he was still so unhappy, and the latter because the reality set in that the pain he was feeling was quite literally because of me (and what I was eating)! I don’t feel like I bonded with him as much during the early weeks because of it, and my mental health was pretty fragile. I think what I would say to other moms is that you’re not alone. Having dark days, feeling like a failure, even having feelings of resentment and needing to walk away from your baby for a minute is normal. It’s okay. We need to feel the things we feel, and we need to give ourselves grace... and most importantly, we need to remember to lean on each other and allow others to lean on us throughout the journey. As compared to non-Covid times, it definitely felt much more isolating. I didn’t even really realize until reflecting on it because I was just going through the motions (survival mode, ya feel me?).
Continued in comments
#ittakesavillage #postpartum #postpartumdoula #newbaby #newborn #inthistogetherdoula #secondbaby #support #motherhood #columbusohio

{Pregnancy, birth & covid} Giving birth during a

{Pregnancy, birth & covid}
Giving birth during a pandemic definitely brought its challenges, including going to appointments alone, not being able to fully celebrate in the way we wanted, and once Josephine arrived, not being able to have her freely receive cuddles and hugs from all of our loved ones. But more than anything, we felt so grateful for the health of our baby. We experienced the heartbreaking loss of our first daughter, which made us appreciate every precious moment with Josephine even more.

I found so much support through my partner and husband. He was there for me every step along the way, from navigating challenges with breastfeeding and taking on diaper change duty to cooking meals and taking our dog for walks. I felt so grateful to have someone by my side, offering their full support and presence.

Connecting with other moms, virtually or through outdoor hangouts, has also been a great support. I think it's important to remember you're not alone and to share encouragement and tips during the tough times, and share laughter and celebrate together during the good times. I've also been teaching prenatal yoga and mindfulness and have found it so rewarding to help cultivate a safe and supportive space for moms, which seems more important now than ever.

Josephine has been such a gift to us and definitely a bright light during what has been a challenging year for so many.

Cecilia offers prenatal classes you can find out more about at www.mindfullearninglab.com

#newborn #motherhood #parenthood #postpartum #postpartumdoula #inthistogetherdoula #pandemic #columbus

{Pregnancy, Birth & Covid} I found out I was pre

{Pregnancy, Birth & Covid}

I found out I was pregnant with my first child one month before the shelter in place order went into effect in March of 2020. I was a first time mom, self employed business owner who had no clue how this year was going to pan out. BUT I did know that in a short 8 months I was going to become a Mom and it would change my life forever.

My expectation of my first pregnancy was much different than the reality. As a self employed sports chiropractor who moonlights as a fitness instructor, I had planned to work my butt off to supplement my upcoming unpaid maternity leave. Instead my business slowed down and the gyms I teach at temporarily closed. I had imagined weekend get-a-ways and date nights with my Husband before becoming a family of 3. Our reality was a nationwide travel shut down and date nights on our couch watching Netflix. I envisioned baby showers with friends and family with hugs and well wishes. That was traded out for virtual and drive by showers with distant waves and air hugs.

I am a type-A, “do-er” by nature. These new realities pushed me out of my comfort zone. This newly found down time was probably the only way I was going to relax before baby, so for that reason I am thankful for the pandemic. I was able to have quality time with my Husband before welcoming our son. We talked about what kind of parents we wanted to be and how this would change our relationship dynamic. Those conversations likely would not have happened without this forced down time.

The journey of pregnancy requires a support system under normal circumstances - add a global pandemic to the mix and you realize just how much you need the network of support people. I was fortunate enough to have a supportive Husband, close friends, an AMAZING Mom and sister, my Midwife team and my lovely postpartum doula April. These people supported me through hormonal emotions, pregnancy preparation, and postpartum planning. The thought that some women don’t have this kind of team is unimaginable to me. I would not have been able to do it without them.
**continued in comments...
#pregnancy #birth #newborn #newmom #postpartum #postpartumdoula #inthistogetherdoula

{Pregnancy, Postpartum & COVID} My first postpart

{Pregnancy, Postpartum & COVID}
My first postpartum experience was riddled with anxiety and complete overwhelm. When I realized I’d be having my second baby during a pandemic (all while working full time until delivery, moving and parenting a toddler 🤪), I had to prioritize planning for what mattered and be comfortable with the answer being: ME.

Despite it feeling uncomfortable at first, I made a 6-week PP plan focused on my needs and mental health. It looked like:
🔷 Weekly therapy with a provider that focuses on postpartum mothers.
🔷 Having one friend per week assigned to being my support buddy from afar due to COVID-19.
🔷 Working with @inthistogetherdoula for flexible support be it a listening ear, holding the baby while I showered, babywearing tutorials, etc.
🔷 Outsourcing house cleaning and grocery delivery.
🔷 Making my bedroom a haven, stocked with the essentials I'd need within arm's reach.
🔷 Using @expectful for guided meditations.
🔷 Saying YES to anyone that offered help.

All of this helped quiet my anxiety and allowed me to hear my mama intuition clearly. I could remember things my mind and body already knew about how to care for my family instinctually. I’m now three months PP and can honestly say I’ve had the most healing experience. I’ve learned advocating for myself benefits my entire home. For that, I'm grateful 💙
#intention #postartumplan #postpartumdoula #meditation #inthistogetherdoula #secondbaby #newbaby #postpartum #ittakesavillage #bexley #columbusohio

Prenatal planning visits look like this now. But t

Prenatal planning visits look like this now. But the goal never changes. Education, support and confidence. The stressful circumstances of a pandemic coinciding with something that should bring great joy. But even in the absence of a novel virus there was pressure and doubt and insecurity. That could be a definition of new motherhood. All that mixed in with love, relief, joy, and awe. So it can feel messy right now. It does feel messy right now. My job looks like sorting. Manageable pieces and baby (I’m so clever) steps.
We can do hard things. #postpartumdoulasupport #postpartumdoula #postpartumplan #columbusohio

{Parenting and COVID} My name is Nikki & my son A

{Parenting and COVID}
My name is Nikki & my son August, but we call him Augie mostly, was 9 months when covid hit! He was a new walker and we looked forward to so many things as his 1st birthday was approaching in May, which would mark the beginning of warm weather and swim lessons and traveling, cookouts, concerts, fireworks, parades and so much more. But boy we’re we wrong! Instead we wore mask, kept our circle small, and did a social distanced bday parade for Augie. There were no swim lessons, and hangouts were tight knit and few and far between. I began to worry about him being permanently affected by the anti social aspects of the new world we were living in. But instead my son has really surprised me, he is just as happy and social as I could have dreamed. He knows the amazon delivery guys by their “big trucks” and waves/talks to all the neighbors and enjoys our time outdoors in nature. We have really deepened our relationships and social lives thru our neighborhood and community and I think that is something very special and I don’t know if that would have happened before covid. For that, I am thankful. I have also suffered 2 miscarriages in 2020, and it sucks, we want more kids. But I think I have been more able to appreciate what I have in front of me and somehow get through those losses by the lessons I have been forced to learn in this year of the pandemic. I truly can’t imagine having a new baby during these times and am so fascinated but the resilience of the mothers who have. Of course with all that being said, I am looking forward to covid being a thing if the past, and hope that 2021 is full of all the things my family loves like traveling and large family gatherings, I hope I will get that sibling I so want for my son and us! However, I will definitely always carry with me the lessons and gifts of this year, even though some were hard and plagued by fear and isolation at times. I don’t ever recall a time where I have slowed down more and even through shitty circumstances been forced to find the positives, for my sanity and also for hope of the future! Those lessons will not soon leave me or my family!
#parenting #support #pregnancyloss

If you’ve been my client you know I make this fa

If you’ve been my client you know I make this face when you tell me your birth story. Or anytime you’re sharing your heart about your new baby. And always at our last visit. Always. You also know that I say postpartum is forever. So here are lots of words about why these mugs are an extension of what we started together.
Link in bio, select blog...way at the bottom
#mugsformomsthatmuglife #loveyoumeanit #thatmuglife #postpartumdoula #newbaby #newmom #doula #postpartumisforever

{Pregnancy & Covid} It has been very interesting

{Pregnancy & Covid}
It has been very interesting being newly pregnant with two young children during the pandemic. The pandemic itself brings lots of new challenges, such as not being able to go to usual places, changes in routine, not seeing family, and the rules with who is allowed to go into the doctor's office to accompany the patient. My obgyn's office didn't really change their rules that affected me, since they allowed one support person in for pregnancy confirmation and for appointments, so in that way, there was a sense of stability, but the way I have felt this time around has changed a lot. Being my third pregnancy, it has been weird to see how I am all of a sudden anxious, worried, concerned, googling nonsense, even though I am healthy, young, and have had two completely full-term no-complication pregnancies prior to this. I don't know what feels so strange and unnerving about this time around, but some part of me makes me feel like I cannot be that "lucky" and have a third healthy baby. I know that sounds RIDICULOUS, but I have irrational fears and thoughts. I am not sure if it's the pandemic, as I did some research (obviously there's not much available now since COVID is so new still) and from what I read, it says that COVID is not passing on to the baby through the placenta, etc., so I am not as worried about getting covid and passing it on, as I am about how everything feels so tense and out of place this time around. I feel like everyone's collective anxiety is just in the air and it's hard to breathe. I also feel a sense of guilt for having a third child, while my second is so little, even though it was planned, and I felt this way with my second as well. Guilt is such a horrible emotion, and such a waste of time. My good friend April said that giving them a sibling is the biggest gift we can give them 🙂 Lastly, this is not really different this time around, but I am so jealous of the people who have healthy relationships with their in-laws, and are close to their own families, that live nearby so that they can get support when needed, or even once in a while.

Continued in comments. #covidpregnancy #ittakesavillage #inthistogetherdoula

{Pregnancy, Birth & Covid} With the joy of becomi

{Pregnancy, Birth & Covid}
With the joy of becoming pregnant with baby number two should come not only excitement but the feeling of “I’ve got this...I’ve done this before!”
But this time just weeks after the joy and excitement of a positive test came COVID which changed my pregnancy and the world.
Am I more susceptible to Covid?
Can I pass it to my unborn child?
Will I have to deliver alone?
Isolation due to COVID felt VERY close in comparison to the initial weeks postpartum. Except this time I was alone with a 2 year old with a need for more activity during a time of little or no activity in the world while trying to work full time AND in my first trimester.
Once the initial adjustment of being home subsided, I realized this is time with my 2 year old I would have never had otherwise. The work trips were cancelled, she was home from daycare. I had special, although sometimes very stressful, days with my girl.
Only my first OB appt to hear the baby’s heartbeat was pre Covid so my husband could attend. After that, I attended all appointments alone. My 20 week ultrasound was just me and the tech. Fast forward past all of the solo appointments and we welcomed a baby boy into the world and luckily despite my initial fears back in March when little was known, I didn’t have to deliver alone. No visitors at the hospital quite honestly was fine with me...we had more time to get to know our new little man and rest. Once home, the revolving door of visitors and amazing friends with able hands to help we had when our daughter was born was instead masked immediate family and close friends. Now, at home in our bubble, I’ll do anything I need to do to protect him with his immature respiratory and immune systems. I remind myself daily, in the worlds of my 2.5 and 5 week old from what they see, all is well in the world. We are thankfully happy and healthy and one day Ford will know he was born during a global pandemic...and luckily not remember a thing.
#ittakesavillage #postpartum #postpartumdoula #newbaby #inthistogetherdoula #secondbaby #columbusohio

{birth & covid} The second time was different, di

{birth & covid}
The second time was different, different for a lot of reasons. I was sick the entire first tri, we didn’t find out the gender etc. Once through my first trimester i was feeling really good, working out hard and a lot like “myself”. Then Covid hit. My entire third trimester I spent scared yet at peace bc we didn’t leave the house, exhausted yet content, sad but excited? It was truly the definition of a roller coaster and being quarantined pregnant just about physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally brought me to my knees.
And then she was here and my heart just about burst. The way my big girl is with her sister isn’t like anything in the world. It all makes sense.
I can say I am my best self when I verbalize what I need, have an extra set of hands around and maintain a grateful heart. My healthy girls are undoubtedly two of my biggest blessings and I know too many friends and family who have struggled to grow their family to ever take this role of motherhood for granted.

Is it hard? Hell yes. Is it messy? For sure. Would I change it? No.
#secondbaby #newborn #postpartumdoula #inthistogetherdoula #newbaby #ittakesavillage

{Pregnancy & Covid} 2020...there are so many inte

{Pregnancy & Covid}
2020...there are so many interesting things that have happened to so many people this year. It's been one that no one will forget. If you asked me on 1/1/20 where I'd be this year, never in my right mind would I think I'd be having my 2nd child at 41 years old. But here we are....
After close to three years without birth control, the refusal to actually "try" because of the multiple miscarriages + stress + heartache that goes along with the process of tracking, we had come to complete peace with our toddler being an only child. I'd gone so far as to fill my birth control prescription with intentions of starting to take it shortly after my 41st birthday in July. Then one night in mid July, I had an epiphany that I couldn't remember the date/week/month of my last period (and I was likely in a bit of denial at this point)...so I took a pregnancy test. That sucker blazed a "+" sign faster than I'd ever seen it do before - instant panic. I mean...I did just turn 41. We did just come to terms with having only one child. We were living in the midst of a pandemic.
The best part of this story is that dreaded first ultrasound (you moms who have been through miscarriages know what I'm talking about)...the one where you just hope and pray there is a heartbeat. Well not only was there a heartbeat, this baby was too big for the internal ultrasound - 16 weeks too big to be exact. I had been pregnant for 16 weeks and had been in complete and utter denial with myself. Self preservation? Possibly. My OB could not stop laughing - and it's a story we will forever get to tell about Baby #2.
Being pregnant during COVID has been interesting. Most days I feel very cooped up...working from home coupled with the inability to actually go do things with our toddler has forced us to do daily evening walks, visits to the park (once it finally reopened) and tons of nature walks through the woods. Slowing down a bit - it's been a real bonding experience for us, as a family of three, and one that we never would have had, otherwise.
Continued in comments
#secondbaby #pregnancy #inthistogetherdoula #postpartumdoula

{transitions} Prioritize immediate needs. A baske

{transitions}
Prioritize immediate needs.

A basket of quiet toys next to you can make a world of difference.

Create intentional one on one toddler time.

Give yourself grace.

Remember you are giving your older child a great gift.
You have more than enough love for both, even when it feels like patience is short.

I love you and you can do this.

#postpartumdoula #inthistogetherdoula #newbaby #newborn #parenting #secondbaby

{transitions} My feed today is full of snapshots

{transitions}

My feed today is full of snapshots of growing families managing a toddler and newborn.

I will tell you what I told them.

One to two is THE hardest transition.

Your confidence can be shaken.
Your toddler became a giant overnight.
They are suddenly all elbows.
When did they get so loud?

Splitting your attention between the two can feel like constant failure.
You are NOT failing. I promise.
You love them both and that is a raging success.

#postpartumdoula #inthistogetherdoula #newbaby #newborn #parenting #secondbaby

*Trigger warning:Pregnancy loss** {Pregnancy loss

*Trigger warning:Pregnancy loss**
{Pregnancy loss & Covid 2 of 2}

At the ER, I was shaking and sobbing uncontrollably when they said my husband couldn’t even come in the door. I made a scene; what else could I do? Finally they let him sit with me but I was making so much noise that they put us in a hallway away from the other people waiting. Like our grief was embarrassing. Or maybe they meant to be kind and were g were home by lunchtime on August 22.

We buried our Willow Rose on September 1.

After the hospital stay, a whole village I hadn’t realized I had was waiting to care for me. Thanks to technology, it’s so easy to set up meal trains, gift cards, delivery services - we received all of these and more. Being an introvert, I appreciated that all this could be done with minimal interaction, and COVID made it necessary anyway. But begging to have my own husband by my side during the scariest moments of my life… this is something I hope to never do again. Going through this has shown me that I am resilient and that my village is strong. And most of all, my marriage is steadfast. But this postpartum is a dark chapter. A postpartum of grief during a global pandemic.
#pregnancylossawareness #pregnancyloss #miscarriage #ittakesavillage #postpartum #inthistogetherdoula

*Trigger warning:Pregnancy loss** {Pregnancy loss

*Trigger warning:Pregnancy loss**
{Pregnancy loss & Covid (1/2)
As October’s Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month comes to a close, we pause to give space to the #oneinfour women who have lived it. We remember with them the babies they lost. We bear witness to their grief, anger, frustration, confusion and love. We meet them where they are with open hearts and allow their shared stories to lead to the way to support and community.}

I hadn’t expected to be postpartum this soon. I was supposed to postpartum in March 2021. COVID or no COVID, this is a type of postpartum I would wish on no one.
The first thing: my husband couldn’t come to the 1st trimester ultrasound. No visitors allowed. I was naive… I’d never experienced a loss. I thought, “it will be a bummer that he can’t see baby’s heartbeat, but that’s ok, I’ll have pictures to show.” So I was alone. Alone when I saw the picture of our baby that had no heartbeat. It looked like every other late 1st trimester ultrasound picture I’ve had. I could clearly see the head, the body, the arms. But our baby was gone. And I was all alone.
Then came the waiting. Waiting all week, alone. My husband working, my kids playing, me with no visitors. Lovely friends brought food and comfort but at a distance. My mom came to visit and we hoped it would all be over before she had to go home, but she had to get back. It’s a joke we have - I always have my babies right after Mom has to get back home to Pittsburgh.
Finally it started. There was so much blood. I didn’t know what to expect, and I thought it was all normal. It went on for 5 hours and wasn’t stopping. I was hemorrhaging. In this kind of emergency, it’s ok to break our COVID protocol. A dear friend came to stay with our kids while we drove to the ER. Why does it take a life-threatening emergency to be able to hug a friend now?
#pregnancylossawareness #pregnancyloss #miscarriage #ittakesavillage #postpartum #inthistogetherdoula

{Pregnancy, Birth & Covid} Never did I think last

{Pregnancy, Birth & Covid}

Never did I think last November when I found out I was pregnant, I would be giving birth during a pandemic.
Before COVID hit, I had the perfect vision of what the birth of my first baby would be. Little did I know, when we found out he was a him in January, that would be the last appointment my husband would be allowed to go to. Fast forward to July, my husband was my only support allowed in the room, we had to wear a mask any time a nurse was in the room and the entire experience felt a baby bit less personal with the hospital staff. But thank goodness for FaceTime helping connect us with our loved ones. The only thing that stayed the same was having our baby boy.

I found so much support from my husband and my sister and leaned on them hard. With the amount of uncertainty and going to appointments alone, I never truly felt ‘alone.’ The feeling I’d get with simple texts like “I’m thinking of you” “I’m here” and “I’m right there with you” were more impactful than ever before. I was assured that I was not a burden and that goes a long ways with me.

From the moment I found out I was pregnant to writing this today, I have never not felt supported. Some days have definitely been harder than others, tears come easy but I have always had someone to talk to and lean on. From encouraging words and helpfulness from my husband, to the readiness and availability from my sister to help me with absolutely anything day and night, to my family reaching out to see how things were going, there has always been support. Moms from all different areas of my life have connected and have helped support one another. My friends always check on us to make sure we are doing ok. Heck, my mail man gathered all the new mom and mothers of young ones phone numbers and we formed a group called the “Cool Moms of Clintonville”

I hope the sense of community and support does not fade. I hope that asking for help becomes a new normal and checking in on one another becomes second nature.
Continued in comments #pregnancy #birth #postpartum #postpartumdoula #doula #inthistogetherdoula

{Pregnancy & Covid} As a second time mom, one woul

{Pregnancy & Covid} As a second time mom, one would think I’d feel more confident going into my second pregnancy and setting expectations and getting support. Insert reality and a global pandemic and I quickly found out that this is not at all the case for me. If anything, I felt more unsure than ever and did not feel like I had the support system in place to navigate this pregnancy. Almost every human being is experiencing stress and anxiety right now and all of us are having to make tough sacrifices and decisions, so it’s hard to share your feelings of uncertainties and anxiety around expecting a child given the world we are all living in. It has certainly left me feeling less susceptible and open to share my concerns or to reach out and ask for help or support. It has made me feel like I am alone in this navigating struggle. It feels unfair of me to complain or share concerns or ask for help when my issues seem so minuscule to what others might be going through right now.
It’s hard to articulate the anxiety of trying to prepare for child birth and adjusting to post partum life in the midst of a global pandemic. I am a Type A personality and I find assurance and peace with routines and structure and having a plan and setting expectations. In all honesty, absolutely none of that feels achievable right now and that is really scary to me. I am due in March of 2021 and I have absolutely no idea what the healthcare systems will look like at that point-- will we see a major increase in hospitalizations with COVID and the flu season, will the hospital systems be overwhelmed, will it even be safe to be in hospitals at that time? In addition to the unanswered questions with the healthcare systems, there’s this lingering uncertainty of support- what support will I be able to have when I deliver- can my husband, midwife or doula be there, will the hospital still offer lactation services? Furthermore, what will the postpartum support look like? All of these unknowns weigh so heavy on my mind and it has been very difficult for me to process and work through it.
Continued in comments. #covidpregnancy #inthistogetherdoula #secondbaby #doula #ittakesavillage

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