Pregnant or Breastfeeding? What you need to know about COVID-19

Coping with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly changing situation that is creating stress and fear for pregnant and breastfeeding women and their families. Being fearful or anxious in such a stressful time can at times feel overwhelming and hard to manage. Many women are also feeling sad or are grieving because the coronavirus has upended their plans to connect with family and friends during the pregnancy, birth, and first weeks at home with the baby.

The Zero to Thrive (Z2T) team has many ideas and materials to help you be safe and strong during these difficult days.

Please remember to wash your hands, keep 6 feet away from people you don’t live with, and call your care provider if you become sick.

Self-Care for Pregnant Woman & Breastfeeding Moms

Many of us are feeling overwhelmed these days and may find it hard to make some time to take care of ourselves. However, taking care of ourselves ensures that we grow healthy babies and that is one of the most important tasks anyone can do. The Zero to Thrive team has some ideas that are quick and easy to do – 1. Take breaks from the news and social media because hearing the news repeatedly can be upsetting; 2. Try to eat healthfully, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs. 3. Make time to unwind take a walk, listen to music, or draw your feelings. There are many additional ideas and links to groups and activities available at Zero To Thrive (https://zerotothrive.org/).

Getting the Support You Need During the Coronavirus Crises

Experts are recommending that we keep space between people – at least 6 feet. This is called social distancing and is an important way to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. However, keeping physical space between people does not have to mean being lonely. In fact, staying connected to friends and family will reduce your stress. Call a loved one and share your worries or check in with your neighbor and have a laugh while maintaining at least 6-feet of space between you and them. When the baby is home family and friends can leave a card or a meal on your porch and see the baby through a window. So stay back, but keep people close to your heart.

Women connecting and supporting one another during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a centuries old tradition. We can still do that with calls and on-line groups.  We can connect with the many on-line resources for moms during the pandemic.  These resources cover topics from pregnancy support, postpartum depression, feeling grief during this time, to breastfeeding support, and many more.

Many families have less income because of the coronavirus pandemic which adds stress and uncertainty. Z2T is working to stay abreast of basic need services and supports. It’s ok to ask for the help that you need.

Know the Facts – Coronavirus during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Although there is a lot to learn about this new virus, the majority of available information at this time suggests that healthy pregnant woman who get coronavirus will have a mild to moderate illness and will not need to be hospitalized.  For most women and infants, breastfeeding is safe.  Ask your care team and check in with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website (cdc.gov/coronavirus) for the most up-to-date information.

It is always important for pregnant women to protect themselves from illnesses

Pregnant women experience changes in their bodies that may increase their risk of some infections and they may be more likely to have serious illness as a result of infection.  The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently issued a statement echoing concern for pregnant women to take care to avoid exposure.  If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including coughing, fever, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately.