Parenting a newborn in a pandemic is proving even more stressful than in ‘normal’ times. Capital Current social media reporters took a look at how new moms and dads are coping and caring for their children. This story was first published on Capital Current’s Twitter feed.
Nearly one year into the pandemic and a new term is making its way into everyday language- pandemic babies.
— Capital Current (@CapitalCurrent) February 2, 2021
A thread. [Video via TikTok © confidentiallykatie] #pandemicbabies #COVID19
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Recently, the number of parents using TikTok and other social media platforms to document the experience of their pandemic babies have increased.
— Capital Current (@CapitalCurrent) February 2, 2021
[Image via Instagram © Katie Watkins confidentiallykatie]
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A pandemic baby refers to any baby born a few months prior to the pandemic or after, according to Toronto mom Katie Watkins.
— Capital Current (@CapitalCurrent) February 2, 2021
[Image via Instagram © Katie Watkins confidentiallykatie]
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Watkins’ youngest daughter Daphne is just over a year old. “She’s very attached to her dad and I,” says Watkins, mom of three. “She definitely has more fear than my other kids about people she doesn’t recognize.”https://t.co/yJrZjLT4uM
— Capital Current (@CapitalCurrent) February 2, 2021
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Feeling isolated is a challenge for any new parent, especially in the pandemic. Watkins has turned to TikTok to connect with other parents. “You can connect with another person and find you’re not alone in your experience.”
— Capital Current (@CapitalCurrent) February 2, 2021
[Video via TikTok © confidentiallykatie]
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Pandemic babies are not the only ones getting all the attention recently, no matter how cute they are. A research team from @UCalgary has been conducting a study called Pregnancy During the Pandemic. https://t.co/ABqYbKKWGA
— Capital Current (@CapitalCurrent) February 2, 2021
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The national survey launched in April 2020 to see how the pandemic has been affecting expectant parents- especially with regard to mental health. The research team follows participants every month until birth, and then checks in again at three and six months postpartum.
— Capital Current (@CapitalCurrent) February 2, 2021
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The results of the survey, from the first 2,000 participants, have shown elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety.
— Capital Current (@CapitalCurrent) February 2, 2021
[Graphic © Taylor Clark]
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“We know from past research that there are some potential impacts on brain development in babies whose mothers have been exposed to high levels of stress during pregnancy,” says Dr. Anna MacKinnon, a member of the research team.
— Capital Current (@CapitalCurrent) February 2, 2021
[Image courtesy of Healthy Family Labs]
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Studies of the 1998 ice storm and Hurricane Sandy showed high stress levels during pregnancy can affect brain development in the fetus causing behavioural problems. MacKinnon says brain imaging from some babies postpartum in the @UCalgary study have shown similar results.
— Capital Current (@CapitalCurrent) February 2, 2021
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The pandemic doesn’t have to mean doom and gloom. MacKinnon encourages parents to maintain structure and routine, for themselves and their baby. “Taking care of yourself will also help you take care of your little ones.”
— Capital Current (@CapitalCurrent) February 2, 2021
[Video via TikTok © confidentiallykatie]
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