1. Understand the situation:
If
you haven't been welcomed to see the new baby yet, don't be insulted. Friends
and relatives will come and go from a new parents' home in the days before the
pandemic, bearing presents and carrying the new bundle of love. In the wake of
the pandemic, many parents are allowing only a limited number of close
relatives to see their new infant.
Don't
be insulted or offended if your name isn't on the list. The parents are
undoubtedly heartbroken that you would miss out on the once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity of watching loved ones meet their latest member for the first time.
Please keep in mind that parents are just restricting visitors to protect their
infant.
2. Follow the guidelines:
If
you are asked to see the infant, take sufficient care to follow the necessary
precautions. When you meet their child, many parents may have some definite
rules in place, based on their pediatrician's guidance. This can involve
conducting the meeting outside, wearing a mask for the entirety of the visit,
and washing your hands before communicating. It's quite likely that they don't
want you to hold their baby at this moment. Accept and acknowledge the added
discomfort that comes with raising a child during a pandemic. Do not be
offended; it is not a representation of you, but rather the pandemic's health
and safety guidance.
3. Prioritise the baby’s health:
Keep
the baby's health at the top of the priority list. It's easy to lose track of
the importance of social distancing and other protective activities when you're
excited about meeting the new baby — it's easy to let your guard down. However, while there isn't enough clinical
evidence into how the infection impacts babies in the short and long term, it's
vital to be careful. Keep them safe and wrapped up in a soft muslin cloth
when you are outdoors.
4. Be supportive of the parent’s mental health:
Many
new parents are feeling vulnerable, depressed, and tired as a result of less
people physically around to support them, as well as safety and general life
issues brought about by the pandemic. Now is the time to check on the parents'
mental health and provide them with the best and safest care possible. Inquire
whether they are having adequate sleep and eating well. Pay attention to what
they're sharing in a conversation and be a positive listener.
Is
their talk mostly filled with emotion, worries or emotional distress, or fears,
or is it mostly filled with the fascination and enthusiasm of seeing their baby
grow? Are you worried about the new parent's well-being as you finish a
conversation with them? Encourage them to reach out to a professional if they
are going through a rough time. Be patient and encouraging when they are
sharing something with you.
5. It’s okay to vent
Motherhood
is both wonderful and challenging, especially now. Allow her to assist you with
working with your tough feelings. We sometimes expect mothers to brush negative
emotions under the rug and force them to reflect only on the good in our
society. This is known as toxic positivity, and it has serious ramifications.
When a new mother confides in you about her pregnancy, how difficult
breastfeeding is, or how difficult motherhood is in general, fight the
temptation to solve the issue or "support her," and instead
concentrate on the optimistic. Sit with her in front of the fire for a while—it
will help her more than you realize. Pay attention to what they want from you
and be just that. Don’t try to thrust your opinions o
6. Go the extra mile and be creative in your support:
During the pandemic, relatives and friends can
no longer pop by to prepare a meal, support around the home, or merely keep the
infant while a parent takes a much-needed shower or nap. However, there are
already pandemic-friendly ways to express your interest.
Give
them a coupon for a food delivery service, offer help in picking up groceries
and drop them off on their doorstep, send a card with motivating messages, or
plan for a virtual meetup discussion to see the baby and chat about their new
family and how they are adapting to it. And if you can't see the new family in
person, keep in contact with them on a daily basis to prove you care. You can
also get the baby thoughtful gifts like organic baby clothes or wooden toys.
AUTHOR’S BIO:
I am Lana
Murpy, a post-graduate in humanities and communications, and an
inquisitive person who loves writing. My forte is digital marketing and
everything that has to do with phones and screens. I’m working for Tiny Twig .
I am someone who believes that one person can make a change and that's
precisely why I took up writing which is the best tool to communicate these
days. I have a decade of experience in writing and marketing.