Preparing to deliver and having a baby is one of the sweetest, most exciting and special times in your life! But the current pandemic is making things a little concerning and troubling for expectant moms, and understandably so! I reached out to three wonderful new moms who recently delivered and asked them to share some of their insights and experience! I hope it can provide a little bit of insight along with ease some worries for those who are getting ready to welcome their own little one during such a wild time!

What were some of your fears, concerns, or expectations with being pregnant and having a baby during a pandemic?

Brittany Jensen- San Fransisco, California- My biggest fear was not having my husband with me in the hospital. We live in San Fransisco and the week before we had our baby they were turning away dads and only letting the moms in. The other thing I was worried about was catching Corona because I was told if I had it they would take my baby and care for her and I wouldn’t be able to hold her until I was symptom free.

Alyssa Payne- Provo, Utah- Oh boy… where to start! 1. I was obviously worried about getting sick and my husband getting sick. I knew he would be the only one allowed in the delivery room with me, so I NEEDED him to be healthy! 2. I was scared that I would get sick and be quarantined from my baby, that I would have to spend two weeks away from him. 3. My mom is my best friend, not having her in the delivery room was a really hard concept for me to come to terms with. I almost considered her being my plus one over my husband.

Taylor Behrends- Las Vegas, Nevada- I think my biggest concern was being left alone. There were a lot of rumors of even husbands and partners not being allowed back in certain hospitals and to deliver a baby completely alone is a nightmare to me.

What helped you manage your stress and fears?

Brittany- My family, friends, the gospel and doing research. Luckily this isn’t a virus that heavily impacts infants, so knowing that put my mind at ease.

Alyssa- Honestly, faith. I knew that regardless, everything would work out the way it was supposed to. And it did! I was terrified I was going to have complications and that my mom wouldn’t be there to help me. (My husband is great, but like I said, my mom is my rock) My labor ended up being incredible and everything went smoothly. Also, having a support team to calm my nerves. My husband was everything I needed and more. He was so involved, so helpful, and so sensitive to my worries. I was very vocal to him that I would NEED him and he over delivered. Communicating with your spouse about your worries is so important. They can’t always read your mind.

Taylor- I already suffer from a pretty crazy panic disorder so I’m used to managing stress through breathing and different thought techniques I’ve been taught over years of therapy. Of course my husband is always the best stress relief as well.

What advice do you have for other moms who are expecting and going through all of this?

Brittany- Don’t stress too much. The hospitals are super prepared, and to be honest, the world is safer for your baby than it has ever been. Everyone is sterilizing everything and super conscious of germs so your baby won’t be passed around as much, and everyone will understand when you ask them to wash their hands and they will already be prepared to be extra clean and not germy/ sick around your baby without people thinking you are being overboard.

Alyssa- Like I said, communication is key. I was very open with my husband that I was upset about not having my mom there. He took over her job and did his job! I guarantee your husband is just as worried as you are about everything, so give him validation as well! Let him know he is doing a great job!

Taylor- It is not as bad as you think, don’t let media and other mom’s stories scare you, you still get your full team of nurses, your partner or whoever you choose and that sweet baby in the end!

How have things been since you had your baby?

Brittany- I was sad my family couldn’t be in the hospital and meet my baby right away, but I had even more time to bond with my baby. It’s also been nice to have my husband work from home and help and see her grow everyday! Since he’s working from home, he moved his paternity leave to be when I go back to work, so it’s been a huge blessing.

Alyssa- I got so lucky and have the greatest and easiest baby. He is a dream come true. It’s been great because no one has “bothered” us or asked to come see him because they know they can’t! So we have been able to keep him to ourselves and enjoy this time as a family! It’s obviously not not ideal, but we have made it work! My husbands parents haven’t met the baby yet, which is really sad. We live in my parents basement, so we have all been quarantining together. As much as we would love for my husbands parents to meet our baby, we have to do what’s best for US and HIM. We go on lots of walks too! Your mental health is so important to take care of! So for me, going on walks has been key! It’s not good for anyone to be stuck inside for days and days on end!

Taylor- I have still allowed my family and close friends that I know have been safely quarantining to meet our baby, with restrictions of course. But I feel like I was just as strict with my first baby too, there are so many other things that people pass to newborns so I will forever be picky on who is around and who is touching my new babies lol.

What is one benefit or blessing you can see from all of this?

Brittany- We had plenty of time to bond with our baby without any distractions. Honestly, I loved my time in the hospital with my husband and my baby. It was super special and I will cherish that time with just the three of us forever. Like I said earlier, my husband had been able to work from home everyday so he has tones of time with baby. Also, we have a lot of friends far away so friends have been so good at FaceTimeing us and Uber Eats’ing up meals etc.

Alyssa- Enjoy this time with your baby and nobody stealing them away from you. They grow so fast. It’s only been two weeks and he’s already changed so much and my heart can’t take it! Lay in bed together, cuddle, snuggle. He eats every 3-4 hours, so during the day we just lay in bed together and cuddle for hours. And I feel SO BLESSED. Also, having my husband home has been SUCH A BLESSING. Watching him be so involved has been INCREDIBLE to see. We just lay in bed as a family all day and I wouldn’t change a thing!!!

Taylor- One benefit is you have the perfect excuse to have that baby all to yourself. Plus, such a great bonding experience with your husband or partner. I had 8 family members in my first delivery room and although it was hard to not have certain “rocks” in my life there this time, it was nice to have such an intimate moment with the person I love most.

Moms are so strong, resilient and never cease to inspire me! I loved these sweet moms experiences and insight and hope it gave you a little hope and eased some fears if you are expecting as well! (Plus how stinkin CUTE are those babies?! Congrats mamas!)