New moms on challenges of raising babies in time of Covid-19
CALGARY — Welcoming a newborn into the world is overwhelming as it is but doing so during a global pandemic is unheard of in modern times.
Calgary parents Jamie and Stuart Gradon have started calling their four-month-old son “bunker baby” as they grapple with the new reality of pandemic parenting, which they say is a lot like normal parenting but with a twist.
“It has been a really wonderful experience, but you throw a global pandemic in the mix and it’s a bit bizarre,” said Jamie.
“It’s basically the same on one hand for what you think about having a new baby: lots of diapers, lots of crying, lots of puke, lots of late nights but we’re also doing it totally on our own. We understand the importance of the pandemic and the virus and we’re happy to do what we need to do but that also means our little guy hasn’t met so much of our family.”
Family visits aren’t a reality right now for the Gradons and video calling has become the norm for introducing their little boy Malcolm to close friends and family. They’re also taking extra precautions when leaving the house — and doing so rarely.
“It’s a little bit sad but it’s also surreal,” said Jamie. “It’s also the day-to-day stuff, like what happens if you run out of diapers? You don’t want to keep running to the store, so you’re constantly thinking ahead, but he grows so fast.”
She said Malcolm can outgrow multiple sizes in a month, so ordering clothes online is proving another challenge, but they’re taking it in stride. The couple they’re just happy to be at home with a healthy and happy baby boy.
“We do feel fortunate,” said Stuart. “We know COVID19 has been devastating for so many and there are many who have been required to sacrificed so much.”
They were to celebrate Mother’s Day indoors — like so many others — on Sunday with special plans to commemorate Jamie’s first year as a mom. QUIET PLANS
Maddie Bemrose, who has an eight-month-old, said her Mother’s Day plans are pretty tame, too, with a couple of long walks and food from local restaurants to celebrate with her family.
Bemrose said she’s privileged to be able to spend time at home with her newborn while the COVID-19 pandemic impacts lives across the globe. She’s sticking to a strict schedule and is happy to have her husband at home to spend more time with their first child.