Having a child for the first time is hard enough. Now, as the pandemic rages, new mothers face new challenges.
About 116 million babies are expected to be born in the approximately nine months after COVID-19 was recognized as a pandemic on March 11, according to UNICEF. In the United States from January 22nd to June 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC has reported a total of 10,537 cases of pregnant women with COVID-19 and 30 deaths.
New concerns have arisen in light of recently reported cases of a rare inflammatory condition associated with COVID-19 that is affecting young children. It is similar to Kawasaki disease.
Dr. Eneida O Roldan, CEO of the FIU Health Care Network and a professor, whose daughter is pregnant, describes safety measures for babies and young children in different parts of the globe. She recommends following the standard safety precautions of handwashing, wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
Two first-time moms, one in England and one in South Florida, share their experiences, what they do to keep their families safe and offer some advice on staying positive.