We joke about all the pandemic babies because, really, what else was there to do during lockdown? *Raise eyebrows*
In my snarky post about people thinking COVID is a “good time” to have a baby, I talked about the emotional impact of having a pandemic baby, but to be fair, it wasn’t all bad.
First, let’s talk the good.
#1 Way Less Unsolicited Advice
The simple fact is, if you don’t see as many people in person, you get a lot less annoying advice and invasive questions about your pregnancy. Not many people on a Zoom call will have the balls to pause the meeting just to tell you about their naturopath’s views on an epidural and the power of a gluten-free diet. I mean, some still do, but not as many.
#2 No Unwanted Belly Touching
Now for me, this goes in the good and the bad pile because I’m a touchy-feely marshmallow. But for a lot of women, the invasion of their personal space by strangers (and loved ones) is a hugely ~ uncomfortable ~ element of the process.
#3 Quiet Doctor’s Offices
I don’t know about you, but my family doctor usually has wait times akin to an airport in a blizzard. So yeah, sue me if it’s awfully nice to stroll right into her office quick and dirty.
#4 Working from Home
Can I get an amen! I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through my first 4 months of pregnancy while going to work. I was like can’t-get-out-of-bed ill and significantly less mentally present than a goldfish. I continued teaching and my master’s part-time, I even took on a summer job through my school, but I couldn’t have managed if it hadn’t been virtual.
#5 Fewer Visits when Baby is First Born
Yes, we all love our doting grandparents and all the sweet people who are filled with joy at the prospect of holding a brand-new bundle of joy. But when your vagina has been torn to shreds, your self-esteem is plummeting from that still-pregnant-looking-belly and your hormones are going berserk, it’s nice to have a bit more time to adjust to new roles of mommies and daddies and caregivers without company.