A self-care worksheet for expectant and new parents during covid

We are acutely aware of and understand the extra stresses now facing those undertaking or about to start their assisted reproductive journey.

Just when you thought life was getting a bit easier and some normality was resuming, we have been hit with more COVID outbreaks. This was expected to some degree once restrictions were lifted, but the impact on our overall wellbeing is significant…

The COVID outbreak has changed everyone’s lives. We are all confronted with disrupted routines, a loss of social interactions and opportunities, job insecurities, and uncertainty at a level that has never been experienced before.

The experience of single or co-parenting can be isolating at the best of times, and during the current COVID outbreak this can be a time of increased loneliness. Single parents, and parents who are on their own for extended periods of time, need extra support now more than ever, especially those who are currently in lockdown or areas with restrictions…

Due to COVID, Gidget Foundation Australia has moved all Gidget House face-to-face appointments to telehealth appointments.

Kindness is one of the things that we can do anytime!

Life doesn’t feel ‘normal’ right now. Some of us are working from home, some are juggling family commitments and responsibilities, others are adjusting to a new baby – all without our usual support networks and communities.

With all the COVID related stressors – in particular, the physical restrictions imposed on us for safety – new families and expectant parents have faced an isolating and lonely time in recent months. They have lost their village of support at a critical time in their lives. This isolation has been felt by those close to them, as well…

Physically, we might be surrounded by our family but at some level there is another type of loneliness which is about real connection.

Expectant and new parents in rural and remote areas of Australia have faced one of the toughest and most challenging years in their lives thus far. 1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads will experience some form of perinatal depression and anxiety and with COVID -19 we anticipate this will increase. Hence, it is more important than ever to spread awareness of what Gidget Foundation Australia can do to support expectant and new parents. We are here to help…

With restrictions slowly lifting and life slowly returning to some kind of normal, we are once again met with uncertainty and more social change. It is important to think about how we will re-engage and re-integrate with our family, friends, work, and communities.

It is hard to predict how much a baby can change a relationship. No-one is totally prepared for it and this seems to be the main reason for relationship dissatisfaction early on. The juggle between work and family can be very difficult. There is less quality couple time together and often intimacy has decreased…

Children observe and listen to the world around them and us so intently, so it is important to manage your own worries and anxieties about COVID-19 first and foremost.

As there may be extended time at home in the upcoming weeks with social distancing or social isolation, it is very important to still find ways to keep occupied and connected during this unusual and dynamic time.

The challenges which COVID present are contributing to increased levels of anxiety and stress for many people.

At Gidget Foundation Australia, we have heard many stories from our clients explaining how they feel about returning to the workplace during the COVID pandemic. It is yet again, another change to try and manage. There have been so many changes and uncertainties in the past few months. Along with change comes increases in stress levels and anxieties…