We’re all concerned about staying healthy and safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. As an expectant mother, we know you’re especially focused on your personal health and your baby’s well-being. By staying informed, maintaining safe social practices and being careful at home you’re doing a lot to assure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
Let’s focus on the most important things you can be doing each day. . .
You and everyone in your home can become comfortable with essential safe practices for COVID-19 awareness. Staying healthy and aware is easier when you keep these basic rules in mind:
Together, Apart. Practice social distancing, keeping a minimum of 6 feet between you and others when you’re out in public. This includes grocery stores, laundromats, the post office and clinic waiting rooms. Not sure what 6 feet looks like? Hold your arms out in a T - It’s generally the distance between your fingertips.
Even outdoors, in parks or along the street, distance is important. Carry an open umbrella if you’re unsure how to avoid other people who may get too close when you’re out for some fresh air.
Wash those hands! Soap and water are very effective in fighting COVID and other viruses. If you’re not near soap and running water, then carry hand sanitizer. See our recipe, below, for a homemade hand sanitizer you can carry with you.
Put a good face on it! Avoid touching your face whenever possible, especially in public. Masks are the best way for anyone over the age of 2 to stay safe. Remember to put your mask on and take it off by your ears, not the part that touches your nose or mouth. Reusable fabric masks should be cleaned every day.
Check in with check-ups. Your check-up and healthy mom appointments are essential. Don’t skip an appointment to avoid being out in public. Talk with your doctor’s office about what they are doing to keep their patients safe from the virus.
Birth plans and delivery rooms. Now is a good time to review current regulations for visitors, midwives, or staffing in hospital delivery rooms. As the situation across the country changes rapidly, stay informed and review your birth plan with your doctor so you know what to expect on delivery day.
Healthy habits, lasting results. Do something healthy for yourself every day, like a stretching session, a walk outside, or a phone call with a good friend. Now is a great time to start a healthy habit and give yourself the time you need to stay balanced, calm and confident.
Immunity-boosting. You’ve probably heard that “breast is best.” Moms and babies need sleep, good nutrition and regular exercise to maintain healthy immune systems. For baby, breastmilk is the very best food to pass along healthy immune-boosting antibodies. That immune-strengthening head start will last a lifetime. Check out our sister organization, mySafetyNEST.com for additional tips on breast feeding.
Stress less. Remind yourself that staying as stress-free as possible is better for you and your baby. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed or anxious, seek out people who can talk through your feelings with you. Stress is a contributing factor in many illnesses, so recognize when you should ask for help in managing your own stress effectively.
Cleaner, greener. Around the house you can use common products like white vinegar, baking soda or hydrogen peroxide instead of more costly, chemically-filled products. Regular wipe-downs don’t have to take up much time and will help reduce your exposure to any potential virus in your home. You can find what you need in any grocery store or online if that’s how you do your shopping.
Choose these safe, toxin-free cleaning ‘all stars’ for your home:
Hydrogen peroxide: use this all-purpose wonder to wipe down countertops, freshen your laundry load and remove stains from clothing.
White vinegar: No need to blast your glass with a bunch of unnecessary chemicals. Vinegar leaves glass sparkling clean and streak-free. Goodbye handprints, hello clean!
Baking soda: Works wonders as a gentle abrasive for sinks, countertops or bathtubs. This powerhouse ingredient will make quick work of carpet odors, too. It’s inexpensive and available in large quantities for cost-saving cleaning.
To make your own hand sanitizer, follow this easy recipe. Store it in a food safe bottle or jar and make enough for your entire family to always have enough “on hand!”
Prepare your workspace by first washing your hands then wiping the surface clean.
In a clean bowl, thoroughly mix:
2 parts isopropyl alcohol or ethanol (91–99 percent alcohol). Do not dilute this.
1 part aloe vera gel (available in most pharmacies or online)
A few drops of clove, eucalyptus, peppermint, or other essential oil if you like it scented
Keep your hands away from your mixture so it remains uncontaminated. Fill individual bottles and store any excess in a cool cabinet or the fridge for refills as needed.
Enjoy your summer and stay healthy and safe!
