Postnatal and self-isolation

[TWBK]

Hi, I hope everyone is doing well.

Would you guys share your postnatal life in this particular self-isolated period? I would like to know any advice of how to keep yourself healthy and active under the coronavirus circumstance?

For example, how do you take a rest from caring for your baby when everyone is told to stay at home, it makes harder to seek for help from others. How do you stay connected with others when you feel exhausted? How do you do the grocery shopping? and how to you keep your relationship with your partner at this challenging time especially having a newborn is already an huge change in our-life.

Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi didn’t like to read and not respond! We are lucky that where we live is quite rural we are going out for a really long walk each afternoon. There is no rest for now but try to remember although there is no time scale for this situation it will end we will once again be able to live our lives, see our loved ones and catch up with our friends. I am trying my best not to argue with my husband and to tell him when I need some space but it is very hard all being locked in together. Just try to keep busy, make the most of having your partner around if you really need a break go for a walk alone maybe or get him to take the baby out for a stroll while you rest. Be grateful we are healthy. I have no time to do anything I am drowning. I have to home school my two eldest (9&6) with the two littlest (2&10 weeks) making noise or getting in the way and trying to work as we can’t afford not to, both self employed, the government’s help package doesn’t extend to us. But I am trying to hold on to the fact that my kids and husband (although so annoying I might kill them if this goes on too long 🤣) are healthy which is more than lots to f people at the moment. Good luck stay safe and keep talking xxx

[Run_rabbit_run in reply to Hidden]

I couldn’t not respond to this - you sound like you have so much to deal with and really hope things get better soon. I think we have to take each day at a time as Luke you say, we don’t know when this will be over. Big hugs to you too x

[Run_rabbit_run]

I don’t have the answers and would be interested to read other replies on this. My baby is 6 months now but I did think back to how I would have coped in the early days and weeks post partum with self-isolation. I did pretty much ‘quarantine’ for the first three weeks as I suffered PTSD and anxiety after giving birth and we have no help from family as they do not live nearby. I do yoga once a day now after a feed but in the early days I listened to podcasts to get me through - a range of comedy, casual discussions and motherhood-related ones. They offered me hope to get my mind and self back to feeling ‘normal’ again (out of the black hole I felt I was in and couldn’t see out of). Even now with my partner working from home I find it tiring as I do everything with nappy changes and feeds. He entertains her for a bit after work while I cook dinner (while it would be nice to have dinner cooked for me it is also nice for me to have that ‘break’ from looking after and entertaining baby). We had blazing rows in the early weeks and months so I couldn’t advise how to keep the relationship a pleasant one with your partner as every couple is different and have their own ways of dealing with things. It is just very challenging and exhausting and no-one wins the whole is more tired’ argument. For now while you both adjust to being parents and how your life as a couple has completely shifted, see if you can focus on being a team at this moment in time. Staying affectionate where possible like cuddling up on the sofa and chatting - may seem a small thing but really helps when all your physical and mental energy is exhausted on looking after a newborn. If it feels incredibly hard, it is because it is! Be kind to yourself and please look after you first. Ask your partner to help you please don’t try and do everything. Sending you a big hug!

[Run_rabbit_run in reply to Run_rabbit_run]

I was also meant to add I message friends a lot on WhatsApp or FaceTime them and family to stay connected - sending voice notes helps as I like to hear their voices too. In terms of shopping - we never used to do online food shops and I used to get the shopping with baby which got me out of the house but now with current circumstances, we do an online food shop and my partner goes out to get food that has ran out and unavailable online. Over time you will have your own structure to your day but don’t put too much pressure on yourself especially with a newborn. Being a new mum is the hardest thing I have ever been through personally (but also the most rewarding) especially trying to be or feel like a ‘good’ mum when you’re exhausted and when I also had PTSD and anxiety. If your partner can look after baby for an hour or so and leave you to have a relaxing bath with some music or a podcast playing or whatever you like to do to relax. My friend set aside an hour to meditate when her husband looked after their baby. While my reply may not help as such, I hope it offers insight into another person’s life and know that you are not alone.