Motherhood

When a recent “Ask Sofia” submission asked “what type of postpartum help is safe to accept during the pandemic,” we knew just who to ask! Dr. Erin Stevens, who happens to be the author of “Unexpected: A Postpartum Survival Guide,” just gave birth to her daughter Lorelei in late November.

We wanted to get her thoughts on how the pandemic affects postpartum care and get some ideas on what new parents can safely accept right now (or some thoughtful ways that others can offer help). We also asked her how things are going for her and her husband as they adapt to life with a newborn.

“We are so happy to be parents to our perfect girl,” said Dr. Stevens, who added that she is fortunate to have the help and support from her husband. “I don’t know how I could do this without him!”

She also offers a number of things that have been helpful for her or ideas for those who want to help new parents that all would be safe to accept during the pandemic.

• Food! Food is always welcome. Gift certificates to restaurants that have delivery or pickup are a great gift for any postpartum person. Dropping off homemade meals is also a nice idea. Even sending along easy recipe recommendations is a thoughtful way to provide support.
• Grocery delivery. I recommend people take advantage of grocery delivery. It’s hard enough to find the time for a grocery run anyway, and in the time of COVID, I personally don’t want to be in a store with a newborn (or without her and potentially end up getting exposed myself).
• Entertainment. New parents spend a lot of time sitting or lying down for snuggles and feeding. Sending books or other entertainment can help pass that idle time while baby is sleeping and not in interactive mode.
• Blooma membership. Their classes would be great postpartum, and they have lactation consultant and other support services. A membership there (or other virtual wellbeing services) would be a great gift for a postpartum person!
• Connect. Just reaching out with thoughts and support is huge. Receiving texts, calls, and mail from friends and family just checking in is so nice when the exhaustion and emotions are hitting hard. Take advantage of FaceTime, Zoom, and the many other ways to connect with both audio and visual elements when in-person visits aren’t safe. For those who’ve been through the newborn stage before, sharing stories of both the positives and negatives can be a big help to someone going through it for the first time.
• Get outdoors. I’d recommend that anyone postpartum take advantage of the relatively nice weather we’re having to get outside at least a few days each week. Going out for walks to get my legs moving and get some fresh air has been wonderful.

Last, Dr. Stevens, reminds postpartum people that if they have a concern (for either themselves or their babies), it’s still so important to reach out for help: “Even though it’s good to stay home right now, trips to the doctors’ office (or virtual visits!) are essential to ensure good health and positive outcomes.”