You may find that friends and family who helped out during the early weeks after the birth are less available now. Your partner may be back at work, your mother returned home, and your neighbors are no longer dropping by with meals or to lend a hand.
Suddenly, you’re alone with the baby, with no help—and no one to talk to! It’s not that they don’t want to be there for you, but the world has a way of moving on. You still need their support, but now you must ask for it.
Learn to say, “Yes, I need help”—or “No, I can’t do that” without apology, if tending to your infant precludes you from doing another task.
Your partner may also feel the effects of no longer having friends and family right there offering to help, especially if you are feeling stressed or resentful about being the primary caregiver for your baby. So the advice above applies to your partner, as well.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when we’ve all had to limit gatherings and outside contact to avoid exposure to the virus, your feelings of isolation may be even more acute.
- Ask and accept help when you need it, even if it’s only to ask someone to run an errand for you.
- Reach out to family and friends, even if you can only do this by phone or online.
- Find playgroups or other gatherings that you can join, even if only online during the pandemic, to be with other parents like you.
You both need breaks, couple time and alone time. It’s good for you and for your baby.
See also ...
This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.
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