A new baby is typically accompanied by joy, family, and community. Here's how one couple processed their feelings of loss and uncertainty after delivering during the pandemic.
is a good summary of my mental state during those early days. I was too focused on keeping unwanted emotions at bay, just like someone trying to kick out an unwelcome guest. I experienced an incredible urge to put what free time and energy I had into trying to fix everything, trying to hold back the inevitable. And during those times, I noticed myself losing sight of what mattered most – the time I had with my new family.
One of my favorite clinical supervisors said that emotions need motion, and, in time, I realized that I had been ignoring that advice by denying myself space and permission to grieve the shared experiences I was hoping for. Letting go of the things we cannot control takesand self-reflection. It is an active choice. I cannot make my daughter stop crying but I can comfort her through her distress. The risks are present when in public spaces and one can take steps to mitigate those risks.
After a month with a newborn, this truth is painfully obvious. Our family and friends have been immensely supportive. I caught up with college friends from whom I’ve have drifted apart. My partner and I have spoken more with our neighbors in the past four weeks than we have in the prior two years we have lived here. People we barely know from have offered to help us shop and sent diapers. And in turn, we have borne witness to their struggles , having hopefully reciprocated the support.
I have found myself coming back to a famous line from Virgil’s Aeneid . A refugee shipwrecked on unknown shores, Aeneas says to his battered and demoralized people, “Perhaps one day it will be pleasing to remember these things.” The idea that enduring hardships will somehow afford a brighter future is not new or novel. Remembering that, though, is one of the hardest things to do in the midst of the storm. This is not the world we want and it is the world we are currently facing.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Duck Dynasty' Star Willie Robertson's Home Hit with Bullets in Drive-ByThe 'Duck Dynasty' family was almost taken out in a drive-by shooting at Willie's place.
Read more »
Do you need to wear pants when working from home?Social distancing has upended the daily routine of the modern office, including the dress code. Is it necessary to dress up while working from home or is comfort the best strategy?
Read more »
NBA to reopen facilities in states relaxing stay-at-home orders, report saysThe NBA plans to reopen team practice facilities Friday in areas where local governments have relaxed stay-at-home restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to an ESPN report.
Read more »
Why You Should Never Bleach Your Hair at HomeWalk away from the bleach.
Read more »
'Duck Dynasty' Star Willie Robertson's Home Hit in Drive-By ShootingAn investigation is underway after 'Duck Dynasty' star Willie Robertson's home was struck in a drive-by shooting.
Read more »