When we think of how our mental health has changed during the past year as we deal with the covid pandemic, we seldom consider how our youngest members of society are affected.
We can start with how the mother is experiencing her pregnancy. Could there be a transfer of some of the anxiety and uncertainty relayed to the unborn child?
The expectant parents have had to enlist in prenatal classes that have been completely presented virtually via zoom. In the rural areas where the internet is not too reliable, this often meant a session was missed. There was little chance for interactions with other expectant parents or instructors.
Expectant mothers are always worried about contracting a virus that could potentially harm the unborn child. Baby showers and visitors are discouraged. The new mom is on her own!
Appointments with health care providers or midwives are also most often just a telephone call. Again there is no visual checkup or opportunity to get any reassurance that what the new mom is experiencing is normal .
As the delivery date approaches the soon to be parents are given the list of “do’s and don’ts” that come with giving birth in a hospital during a pandemic. Masks are to be worn at all times, no visitors allowed and prepare to leave as soon as possible. Hopefully no one will get a covid infection during this time.
Once the new family is at home, visitors are discouraged. Grandparents often can’t see their new grandchild and the new mom doesn’t have the support from friends and family that she so desperately needs. Along with sleep deprivation, nursing and coping with a new born, she is left to fend for herself.
Any symptoms of post partum depression may go undiagnosed and untreated. There are no “mom and baby groups” that are available and the first time parents are left to answer questions themselves. “Is my baby progressing properly? “Is this normal?”
Older toddlers are also missing out on the playtime settings where social interactions take place.
All of these incidents, from pre-birth to infancy have an effect on the child. When mom is stressed and anxious the baby suffers as well. The isolation that the young family experiences due to the pandemic requirements will also influence how the baby will react to new people and situations in the future.
We may not know the full impact of this pandemic on our children until much later. The first three years are very important in a child’s life for brain development and making social connections. Will these restrictions and isolations have a lasting effect on the babies born during the pandemic?
