As a new mom during the COVID-19 pandemic you may have a lot of questions about what you can do to keep yourself and your baby healthy. Being a new mom is never easy but being a new mom during this pandemic may be even more challenging, scary, and stressful. While there are many things out of your control, there are things you can do to keep yourself and your baby as healthy as possible.

Limit your physical contact with others but remain connected to your support system.

Many of your loved ones may want to visit you and your new baby, but remember to limit any physical contact with others, especially those who are sick. However, you can still be connected to your support system through:

• Phone calls
• Video chats
• Email and text messages
• Pictures and videos

Social distancing, a recommendation to stay at least 6 feet away from others, does not mean emotional distancing. As a new mom during this time, it’s more important than ever to lean on your social network for comfort and support.

Go to all of your scheduled well-baby visits.

It’s important to still go to all of your scheduled well-baby visits to make sure that your baby is healthy, meeting all of the developmental milestones, and receiving important vaccines. Your healthcare team is prepared to take care of you and your baby and is doing everything to keep you safe and healthy. Here’s what you can do to prepare for your well-baby visit:

• Contact your doctor’s office the day before your appointment to see what you can do to prepare for the visit, and ask if you can bring your support person to the visit.
• Follow all of the normal precautions to stop the spread of germs, such as washing your hands before and after your visit. 
• Write down questions or concerns to discuss with your healthcare provider

The healthcare system is experiencing an increase in patients, and a shortage of supplies. This does not mean that it’s unsafe for you to go to your well-baby visit. It just means that your visits may look a little different. Your visits may be shorter, and it may be helpful to bring your own tissues and hand sanitizer if you have any. Remember, your healthcare team is following all the necessary protocols to stop the spread of germs and to provide you with the best care.  

Be prepared with baby and postpartum care essentials.

As a new mom, you are taking care of your baby, but don’t forget that you are also physically recovering from labor and delivery! To limit contact with others and to stop the spread of germs, we suggest that you have a sufficient amount of supplies on hand for both you and your baby. These may include:

• Pain relief medications
• Sanitary pads
• Diapers
• Formula
• Baby wipes

You can begin gathering these supplies before your baby is born. Consider having enough supplies for two weeks, and see if there is someone you can ask to drop off supplies after to limit the amount of time you have to be out of your home.

If you are feeling sick and have any symptoms of COVID-19 or if your baby has any symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

It’s important to be prepared and flexible.

Every day, we are learning more about COVID-19 and recommendations are quickly changing. During this time of uncertainty, it’s normal to feel scared and overwhelmed. But what you can do is remind yourself of what is certain – your support system is still available; your healthcare team is committed to the health and safety of you and your baby; and your baby is lucky to have you!

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