Tales From The Crib - COVID Edition: Ahuva Magder Hershkop
WPC: As a twin mom, we are curious to hear your thoughts about having a singleton. Do you think it will all be easier? Anything you anticipate might be harder?
Ahuva: After having my twins it actually took me a while to come to a place where I felt ready to have another baby because I think the first while of being a twin mom was so intense! I've always said that while I loved having twins, there was always a lot of guilt associated with it. Feeding one (or resting with one, etc etc) always meant there was another child who wasn’t getting attention in that moment and I did want the experience of having one baby who I could be able to have those experiences with. This pregnancy is already easier than my first where I was in the hospital almost every single week for an ultrasound, and with not being classified as high risk I have more freedom in my activity as a result!
WPC: We know that being pregnant during the time of COVID-19 brings its own challenges in addition to the usual struggles of pregnancy. Have you experienced major differences in pregnancy care?
Ahuva: I haven't experienced changes in my care other than wearing a mask during appointments and being prescreened before entering the hospital. One of the major challenges is not being able to have my husband present during any appointments or ultrasounds. It is weird and a little bit sad to think that the first time he sees the baby will likely be when it is born.
WPC: What is one piece of advice for anyone pregnant during COVID?
Ahuva: My number one thing has been to focus on what you can control, not on what you can't. There are so many areas in life where you don't know something and you ask your doctor. In this case there is very little evidence and even the medical community is sort of figuring things out as they go. It can be incredibly overwhelming to live in a state of complete unknown. For me the best thing I could focus on is how to keep myself and my family as safe as possible, how to properly socially distance, and how to limit exposure to others, instead of spiralling with the "what ifs" - what so many of us want to ask during this time.
WPC: We are so curious about what this period of time has been like for you professionally. With most families sheltering at home these last few months, are concerns about kids diets different than before?
Ahuva: For lots of families, there have been massive increases in stress at mealtime- because it's gone from one meal at home per day to three meals plus snacks! For lots of families though, the lack of commuting time and school drop off actually means there is less stress because parents have more time. Transitions often wreak havoc with meals and this year there seems to be an endless number of transitions!
WPC: Can you please leave us with one piece of advice for parents about mealtime?
Ahuva: For mealtime right now- my best piece of advice is to forget about cooked meals and that it's okay if that's not a priority right now! Right now I am working when I need to and trying to focus on being with me kids and taking them outside as often as possible when I'm not. That often means coming in the door when it's time for their dinner and bath. When we're talking about a balanced meal we focus on carbohydrates, protein, and fruit or vegetable. For us right now that could mean a tuna sandwich and vegetables, macaroni and cheese, omelets or anything that can be made quickly because I'd rather my kids have time to run around outside than watch more television while I make a more elaborate meal.
If you're experiencing similar challenges during your pregnancy or need additional support, our Prenatal & Postpartum Therapy services are here to help you navigate these uncertain times with confidence. For assistance in managing mealtime stress or improving family dynamics during the pandemic, explore our Parenting Consultation & Support and Family Therapy services, designed to provide tailored solutions for your family's unique needs.
