WAUPACA, Wis. – Navigating life with a new baby can be a rewarding and challenging experience, especially when it comes to getting your partner, family and friends involved during a pandemic.
“We understand that preparing for a baby during a pandemic can have some parents feeling anxious and mothers worried about having to go to some appointments alone,” explained Dr. Ezra Lyon, a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Waupaca. “As care providers, we are doing our very best to accommodate families, allowing partners to join appointments when it is safe for all involved.”
During times where we are not in a pandemic, Dr. Lyon said he encourages partners to attend prenatal appointments, as well as support groups.
“Partners can go to appointments for support, even if it’s just for ultrasounds,” he said. “Those moments are also a good opportunity to check in with your health care provider. During this time of COVID-19, we can be creative to stay involved. You may be able to FaceTime or call into the appointment as well.”
Dr. Lyon describes the first three months after having a baby as the fourth trimester. He said it is important for families with new babies to feel supported after the baby is born, and it can look different for everyone.
“All families are unique and there are many healthy ways to raise a baby,” said Dr. Lyon. “What works for one family won’t always work for another family, and that is perfectly fine. Do what is best for your family.”
Feeding Time
One area where partners can be involved is with feeding. When you bring your new baby home, some families may choose to breastfeed. Others might choose to use formula. In that case, feeding responsibilities can be more evenly shared amongst the new parents.
“For parents who want to breastfeed, it is important to respect the time and energy it takes to breastfeed the baby,” he said. “Breastfeeding is a journey. It takes times for both mom and baby to feel comfortable and get the hang of it. That’s where the support for new families can truly be helpful.”
Dr. Lyon explained the best way to increase milk supply is by bringing the baby to the chest as often as possible, so overnight feedings are important for moms early on to continue to build on their breastfeeding relationship. Dr. Lyon says whichever way you choose to feed your baby, your spouse and family can show support in several ways.
“I think one of the most important things a partner or family can do is to create the space for that time,” Dr. Lyon said. “For example, the partner can help by taking on the rest of the household chores, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and taking care of other children in the home. A lot of times I see the breastfeeding relationship not being respected. Some women feel pushed to pump or express milk so their partner can also feed the baby. If they’re breastfeeding, new mothers need to have protected time with their baby. Breastfeeding isn’t easy and it takes time to learn what works.”
Dr. Lyon adds that new mothers should not be afraid to wake up their sleeping partner to help with diapering, rocking the baby to sleep or cleaning up if the baby spits up. He says many of these tasks can be shared. It’s not easy waking up in the middle of the night, but remember, the long nights are temporary and will get easier.
Once mothers and babies feel more comfortable with their breastfeeding, mothers may choose to express breast milk and allow partners to feed the baby with a bottle.
Keeping the New Family Safe
It can be hard during the COVID-19 pandemic to involve your family and friends with the new baby. Dr. Lyon recommends that visitors respect the new family’s space.
“While many visitors want to hold the new baby, there are other things they can do to help a new family,” he said. “Visitors can offer to help with laundry, care for other children in the home or bring a meal.”
There are also ways your partner and family can help make a healthy home. Dr. Lyon suggests these precautions:
- Vaccinations: Partners and visitors should have vaccines against pertussis (whooping cough), influenza and COVID-19. Newborns are susceptible to illness and diseases. Fevers in newborns can be very serious and by taking these precautions you can lower the risk of transferring an illness to the baby.
- Wash your hands: This is a good practice when entering anyone’s home to prevent the spread of germs like bacteria and viruses.
- If you smoke, try to quit: Secondhand smoke increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and can increase the risk of the baby having asthma or ear infections. Talk to your provider about medication or other support to help you quit.
- Watch for postpartum depression and anxiety: Take any physical and mental health concerns new mothers have seriously. You can get help by contacting your care provider.
Dr. Lyon explains that having a strong, supportive group of family and friends can be beneficial for everyone, and many times they can help by giving some reprieve to new parents.
“Having a new baby is not easy and it’s a full-time job just taking care of that baby’s needs,” said Dr. Lyon. “Have patience, it does get easier.”
Virtual Support Options
While many routine activities have been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, new parents are continuing to find new ways to connect and share in the excitement of expanding a family.
ThedaCare offers “Virtual Mom and Me” classes. The free virtual Zoom classes are offered on Mondays from 1:00-2:00 p.m. New parents often have the same questions, and this casual class offers a way to connect with other expecting moms. Also, a lactation consultant will be available in most classes to answer breastfeeding questions. Your family medicine, obstetrician or pediatric provider is also available to help with breastfeeding questions or problems.
Registration is required and can be found at thedacare.org/.
About ThedaCare
For more than 110 years, ThedaCare® has been committed to improving the health of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 600,000 residents in 17 counties and employs approximately 7,000 health care professionals. ThedaCare has 180 points of care, including seven hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their best lives through easy access to individualized care, supporting each person’s own health and wellbeing. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand unique needs, finding solutions together, and encouraging health awareness and action. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care
Network Member, giving specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts on a patient’s care. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care.
For more information, visit thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on social media. Members of the media should call Cassandra Wallace, Public and Media Relations Consultant at 920.442.0328 or the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah switchboard at 920.729.3100 and ask for the marketing person on call.
