Being pregnant and knowing you are about to bring another life into the world is one of the most joyous events a woman can experience.
But during COVID-19, many pregnant women are overcome with fear and sadness – as they worry about the safety of delivering their babies during this pandemic.
Other moms are grieving the loss of a “typical pregnancy” – like baby showers, prenatal visits, and having their husband listen to the baby’s heartbeat at the doctor’s office.
Now more than ever, pregnant moms need to know they are not alone in their pregnancy.
Here are a few ways you can show support to them during this unprecedented time.
Be Available
The further along a woman gets in her pregnancy, the more she is considered at risk.
She should not be the one shopping or venturing out to gather supplies.
And if she already has multiple children to take care of, she might be losing her mind trying to keep all the balls in the air.
Offer to help her do essential errands such as picking up medicine or groceries, or gathering supplies she’ll need for the baby.
Or bring over a few casserole dishes to leave on her porch (practicing social distancing of course) so she has a hot meal to feed her family.
More than ever, she just needs an “extra set of hands” to help her get everything done.
She’ll appreciate any help she gets!
Help Them Have “Virtual Showers”
Many first-time moms don’t have all the necessary items to take care of a loved one and rely heavily on gifts from family and friends during a baby shower.
But with mandatory stay at home orders and social distancing policies, it simply isn’t possible to have a baby shower among COVID-19.
From strollers to high chairs, to baby clothes to bottles, many pregnant moms are panicked trying to gather the necessary items to welcome their little one into the world.
Help this pregnant mom get what she needs and organize a virtual shower!
You can help ensure gifts get delivered to her home, and she can even open them live on Zoom with her friends and family and have a virtual baby shower!
As a bonus, look through your own baby items and donate some to her.
Even online beasts like Amazon are experiencing shipping delays, so gifts might be postponed from getting to her in time.
Your gift of onesies and bottles from your own personal collection could be a lifesaver to her.
Listen Well
Make sure to allow her to express whatever she is feeling.
It’s likely her moods will shift from excitement to fear.
One moment, she might be excited about becoming a mom, but then suddenly feel overwhelmed with anxiety at the thought of having to give birth alone.
Some clinics are allowing the husband to attend prenatal appointments, others aren’t.
Even more horrifying, some places are contemplating not allowing the husband in the room during delivery.
It’s likely your pregnant friend is feeling an ocean of emotions.
If you can, try and be available to talk or pray with her to help ease her anxiety.
Remind her she is loved and never really alone, and help her celebrate the joy and gift of life!
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