You’ve decorated the nursery, your shower went off without a hitch and then… COVID-19? Expecting mothers may juggle work, family, existing children, and self-care in a normal setting. Add in a global pandemic, and life goes off the rails. Add in a pet, and that makes for one stressed-out mom-to-be.
Sheltering-in-place sounds ideal for a pregnant woman, but that is often not the case. Quarantine can equate to a little one being sent home from daycare, side-by-side zoom calls with a stressed-out spouse, and managing the household. Anxious dad, anxious kid, anxious pet. Anxiety and pregnancy are medically advised against.
While we cannot provide medical advice for managing pregnancy, we can offer some practical advice on managing pets in your home during the current pandemic.
1. Do not try to do it all– Instacart is still running, Luv My Sitter is able to provide a vast variety of services for your pet, many restaurants are delivering. More than ever, leaning on outside service providers who are prepared to smartly manage risk is a good idea. Don’t forget Instacart and curbside services are getting backed up we can also provide grocery and errand services.
2. It is okay if your kids are not ready to handle pet care– If your child was not walking the dog or providing feedings, this might not be the time to coach them on pet care and safety.
3. If your pet is acting up, take a break- Pets get stir crazy. Humans get under each other’s skin. Setting up appointments to get a pet or child, out of the house can give you a chance to reset to calm.
4. Bring in help if you are anxious about health-Maintaining a healthy home ahead of your baby is a common goal for expecting mothers. During a pandemic, it is normal to be on high alert. A medically competent pet care provider will give you peace of mind and look for issues in the health and behavior of your pet.
5. Be ready for an emergency- Because of COVID-19, it may not be possible to bring in friends or family to pet sit if you go into labor. Similarly, friends and family may be less inclined to take in a pet while you and a birthing partner attend health-related visits outside the home. As not your doctor, midwife, or doula, having a pet care provider in place is one less thing to scramble around if the need arises.
6. Set a routine- In normal circumstances, preparing a pet for a new member of the family is a defined process that can be useful to avoid behavior issues and toss-ups when bringing home a baby. In the midst of uncertainty and anxiety, it can be useful to bring in a pro to help you to establish a new routine and correctly prepare your pets for baby.
7. Be shameless- When expecting, it is important to remember that your health, including mental health, comes first. If you are overwhelmed, ask for help. The sooner, the better.
Managing pregnancy and post-delivery during a shelter-in-place brings forward complexity. It also introduces the opportunity to better care for and understand your pets. While your hands are full or over-full, reaching out for help from a qualified team may provide you with the support you need when needed the most.