Sep 27, 2021 | Grit
For myself, like so many others, the year 2020 brought about a unique set of challenges, firsts, and knowledge gained. But unlike many others, my challenges, firsts, and knowledge gained, were brought on by welcoming a new life into the world, amidst a global pandemic. Entering 2020, my family was filled with so much hope and excitement as my partner, Andrew, and I were expecting a baby girl in July. There was so much to do – a room to paint, furniture and baby essentials to buy, celebrations to be had. Although, as news continued to be shared about COVID-19 wreaking havoc in China, then Italy, our worry started to grow. When cases started to be identified in Canada and as the World Health Organization declared the pandemic, it was impossible not fear. My fear was heightened by the unknown of this deadly virus and the affect it could have on myself as a pregnant woman, and even more so, the affect it may have on my unborn child.While case counts soared and presented themselves locally, we saw many changes to everyday life. Working for the Communications Department at HDGH, my coworkers and I found ourselves working around the clock, making many trips around campus (which led to many nights of swollen feet), and insistently updating information as it changed, seemingly by the hour. As the dust began to settle, yet the threat of contracting COVID-19 remained, we began working from home and the Canadian government enforced travel bans and stay at home orders. Though we stayed connected through Zoom and phone calls, it was impossible not to feel lonely and sad that I didn’t get to share the many experiences of pregnancy with my friends and family. Doctor’s visits were solo and celebrations turned virtual or from at least six feet away, including our baby shower.July 3, 2020 was the day our daughter was welcomed into this world. And though the room she was born into was filled with face masks, it was also filled with the love from all those who couldn’t wait to come meet her. Amelia was healthy and she was beautiful. The days that followed her birth were quiet; we had no hospital visitors and no family stay with us for extra help. As abnormal as this was, it gave Andrew and I quality time to enjoy and learn about this new life in front of us.There is no doubt that becoming a Mom is hard; the constant worrying if you are doing enough for your child, the overpowering need to keep them safe, and fumbling through each day not quite sure how you’ve been entrusted to care for this little life. Becoming a Mom during a pandemic while experiencing multiple lockdowns, feels downright impossible some days. The constant worry is accompanied by not having adequate supports, educational courses or family visits, available to you. The need to keep them safe is heightened by the virus that has taken and affected so many lives. And the daily fumbling isn’t eased by being able to do ‘traditional’ maternity leave activities like swim classes, Mommy and Me playdates, or meeting up with friends for lunch. It’s been challenging, and I commend all of the Moms who have gone through this experience along with me. The pandemic has caused us to make many changes to our plans and has even taken some experiences away from us. Amelia has only known a world filled with face masks and six-foot markers. But despite this, she is thriving, she is happy and healthy. She makes us laugh every day with her silly sounds and her big personality. Though the struggles we faced were a large part of this past year, the joy she has brought us and the beautiful lessons she has taught us has outweighed it all. Being able to still provide my daughter with a life this fulfilling while living through this pandemic fills my heart with so much hope and excitement for the life we will be able to have when COVID-19 is a thing of the past. As for me and my little family, we can’t wait!