Doctor On Call: Ballito doula advises on how to prepare for your baby’s arrival during lockdown
From moms giving birth to lockdown babies and those ever-dreadful springtime sneezing fits, advice is only a click away.
Q: Help! I am having a baby during the pandemic! I’m stressed and maybe depressed?
A: Health Matters pregnancy doula Vanessa de Beer.
I have been surrounded by pregnant women with inner strength in the face of a pandemic, that has left me speechless and inspired.
I have seen women have their check-ups and give birth during Covid-19 while fathers watch it all on a zoom call!
These are strange times, and many pregnant women are separated from their families or partners and having to experience much of this journey without extended family, grandparents or baby showers.
But pregnancy is one time in your life when you really need to feel supported, loved and cared for and it is important to know that you are not alone.
It is normal to be stressed and overwhelmed, but it is important to look out for signs of Post Natal Depression:
- Persistent feeling of sadness/low mood
- Lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
- Feeling that you are unable to look after your baby
- Feeling of guilt, helplessness and self-blame
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Frightening thoughts about hurting your baby
- Thoughts about suicide/self-harm
Ballito has a strong community-based support system with four doulas facilitating “Mumma Tribe ” mom and baby support group with bi-weekly meetings.
We also have a WhatsApp and Facebook page where you can interact with moms who are sharing your experience.
Doulas also do home visits to assist with any need you have – physical, emotional, or related to breastfeeding or even just to fill the fridge.
So, this is the time to say YES! Accept help – even more so during a pandemic.
You can contact 084 581 8080 if you need a post-natal doula home visit or to be added to Mumma Tribe WhatsApp group.
