Postpartum and the Pandemic
Birthing during the pandemic was already hard. Now I am trying to raise a family and feel as normal as possible again. Feeling your own version of normal is extremely difficult after having a baby... but doing it during the pandemic makes it 100x harder. Here are 3 things that I have struggled with during my postpartum.
The country is still on lockdown. Since the government is trying to protect us and keep everyone inside, a lot of businesses are closed. After my other children’s births, I would go out just to walk around. Getting out of the house and walking around helps me clear my head and refocus. I love walking around the mall or walking on a trail. Due to the pandemic it is a challenge. The mall is closed and the parking lots are closed to limit the amount of people walking the trails. Hashim, the kids and I tried to go for a walk one of the canyons but there was no place to park. I also enjoy getting my hair and nails done. It helps me feel put together. It allows me to feel like myself. Salons are also closed because of the pandemic. Not being able to go to the places that I enjoy makes struggling with postpartum harder to get over and honestly adds to my emotions.
Entertainment for older children is less accessible. Being in the house with four older children and a newborn while fighting off postpartum is not ideal for me. My older children need to be out playing and running around. They also need fresh air. They need to be with their friends. This was already hard to deal with before Adonai was born. They are home for the majority of the day and ask me for something all day. They make a mess all day. That results in less rest for me. I am already in a sensitive state with my emotions and hormones. Being crowded together in our house is making it more difficult to heal.
Family and friend support is limited. We don’t live close to our family. The majority of our family is on the East Coast. So it’s not easy to call up a family member to come watch the kids or help out. I was so blessed that my Mother-in-law flew across the country to help us. It was the best support and help. We as a family really needed it. The children needed their grandmother and Hashim needed his mother. I needed help from someone that I love and trust and I know my family is safe with. She took a major risk flying from Boston to California for us. Due to the pandemic she had to leave California early for fear of another state lockdown. I thank God that we are all safe and she is back home and safe. The friends that we do have are also quarantined away from people. It is safer to stay home and avoid people as much as possible and that is what everyone is doing. That means they are not able to come to us. We also do not want to risk anyone in our family getting sick especially with a new baby.
Although this has been a difficult transition for me, I think I’m doing well. I am so happy that I’m able to identify when I am struggling and feeling low and know to speak up. Not everyone has that. I am blessed that I do have a loving support system that has been the greatest and best help. Thank you to my Mother-in-law for coming all this way. I wish we could have kept you sooner but I know you needed to get to the safety of your home. Thank you to my mom. Even though your health prohibits you from coming right now, you are calling and texting me daily. Reminding me of the things that you know help and work for me. You have been an amazing listener. Most importantly thank you Hashim for being everything! Your patience and care is not unnoticed. Your effort is everything and is making the greatest impact. I am having fewer down moments and have a lot to look forward to. I am doing well and know I will only get better!
