Consider This from NPR Pregnant In A Pandemic: 'COVID Couldn't Rob Us Of Everything'
Mar 17, 2021
Three women share their profound experiences with pregnancy during the pandemic, revealing the emotional challenges and isolation they faced. They discuss how changing hospital policies affected their birthing experiences, and the anxieties around having support during labor. An economist predicts a decline in birth rates, debunking the baby boom myth, while personal stories highlight the impact of financial uncertainty on family planning. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and strong partnerships in navigating motherhood amidst these tumultuous times.
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Pandemic's Impact on Birth Rates
- The pandemic's impact on birth rates is complex and uncertain, defying initial baby boom predictions.
- Economist Hannes Schwandt anticipates an overall decrease, influenced by economic recession and uncertainty, but with potential for localized increases in unaffected groups.
Personal Experiences of Pregnancy During the Pandemic
- Irene Mathieu, a pediatrician, delayed pregnancy due to the pandemic but felt more comfortable by fall 2020.
- Elizabeth Barron experienced NYC's loneliness and fear while pregnant at the pandemic's start, giving birth in March 2020.
Navigating the COVID Vaccine During Pregnancy
- The three women discuss the COVID vaccine's uncertainties during pregnancy.
- Irene Mathieu, a pediatrician, chose vaccination after a risk-benefit analysis, while Ashley Falcon, a fashion stylist, opted against it but promoted vaccination for others.