Hey everyone! Did you know that we have had a few covid baby additions to our church family since the pandemic? Obviously it's been hard for our community to connect so we're hoping to introduce the littles to you! We also wanted to gain some understanding, insight and empathy for what it is like for families with young children during the pandemic. Here's Jeff, Tracy, Mikaela and their new little one, Violet!
1) What, you had a baby?! Please tell us a little bit about yourself and about your little one!
We are couple of professionals navigating parenthood and church ministry during this pandemic. Letty is our feisty and food-loving second child, little sis to her doting older sister Mia.
2) What was your experience of being pregnant and being on mat leave like during the pandemic?
The pros: Not having to commute to work while pregnant or worry about maternity office wear.
The cons: Not getting to share the excitement and the visual of my growing belly with friends, family, and co-workers like I experienced with my first. And not being able to have Jeff join me for all of my prenatal appointments/ultrasounds.
3) What do you find challenging for your baby particularly because it’s a pandemic?
Letty didn’t get to socialize the same way Mia did before she turned one, like getting to attend church in-person or going to Baby Rhyme Time at the community library.
4) Did you see anything positive about having a baby during the pandemic?
Counter-intuitively, I was in a better mental space having a baby during the pandemic than I was with my first child pre-pandemic. I had a relatively FOMO-free mat leave since the rest of the world was in lock-down and Jeff was able to be home a lot more during Letty’s first months, which was incredibly helpful for me and a new experience for Jeff.
5) How has your perspective of church and community changed since the pandemic?
The pandemic has made me realize how much of a lifeline church community is during such a challenging and isolating time for our world.
6) Do you miss in-person worship/life group?
YES. I crave the connection that can only come from gathering in-person. Now that restrictions are easing, I’m pumped to get together with our life group more, especially for indoor meals! More surprisingly, I find myself actually being excited about going to church service in-person, which admittedly I can’t say I felt pre-pandemic. I’m so thankful for the “reset” that this pandemic has given me.
7) How do you manage your stress/anxiety with your babies during these times?
Going for walks on my own or with fellow pandemic moms was therapeutic during mat leave. So was catching up over Zoom with my women’s group.
8) What would your advice be to expecting moms/families who’s going through pregnancy for the first time during this time?
Two words: Paternity leave! Another two words: Life group!
9) What would your advice be to friends and small group members who want to support new parents during the pandemic?
Reach out to your new parent friends. They will appreciate the moral support and connection to the outside world during a time where parenting can be all-consuming. Don’t over-think it. Drop off some coffee, treats, or a freezer meal. Invite them for a walk around their community. Offer to (safely) hold/watch their baby so they can have a nap, take a shower, enjoy some alone time.
Thanks Jeff & Tracy for sharing your experience from the past two years. Our church family would love for everyone to be plugged into a life group (or youth group!) for community. Check out our life groups or contact [email protected] we'd be so happy to hear from you!