Girl, Wash Your Hands
CORONAVIRUS- COVID-19
what we know so far
Here’s the deal! We want to talk about the elephant in the room sooner rather than later.
And so we’re just going to come right out and say it- Coronavirus or COVID-19. Trust us when we say we don't want to strike fear or panic. But we do want to be realistic about how the potential of the virus spreading could impact the daily lives of our pregnant and new parent friends. Since we have careers that put us directly into someone else’s home (almost daily these days- no joke), and at the hospital a couple of times per month, we have been watching closely as things unfold. Today, March 6, 2020, the first known case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Indiana- which isn’t a surprise.
If you follow us regularly then you already know this- PREPARED is one of our favorite words!
To be clear we aren’t medical professionals, and in no way are we trying to be. Any and all health related questions need to be pointed to your OB, pediatrician, and care providers. From our own research, there is limited information in regards to how this virus affects pregnant women- though the information is evolving every day. Thankfully children seem to be spared from symptoms more than a cold- but keep in mind they can be contagious little boogers.
What we do know is that if you are pregnant, extra caution should be taken when trying to avoid the standard flu- and this is no different. Here is our take on what is recommended:
Stay healthy from the inside out- water, vitamins, nutrition, exercise.
Routinely wash hands at bathroom breaks and when arriving at a new place- including when you get home.
Sudsy lather for AT LEAST 20 seconds and rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. Singing Happy Birthday 2x through is helpful for kids- and adults!
Use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol content. While we try to use clean and chemical free products as often as possible, the more natural cleansers (such as vinegar) will not kill this virus on surfaces.
Routinely clean hot spots with a cleaner that kills the flu virus- phone, steering wheel, door knobs, light switches, and kitchen appliance handles at home and within your workplace. (Don't forget the Keurig!).
Read the instructions on your household cleaners to ensure that you are using them appropriately.
Cough/sneeze into a tissue whenever possible and immediately dispose of it. If one is not available, use your elbow.
If you see someone who looks as though they have a cold/flu try to stay at least 6 feet from them.
Think nesting- get your home and supplies ready the same way you would for immediate postpartum (the time you rarely leave your house post-delivery) even if you aren’t do for months.
Utilize delivery and pick up services- grocery store click lists for food, personal & home supplies, along with amazon and other direct retail delivery options (Target, Buy Buy Baby, etc.).
If you are sick- STAY HOME- and notify anyone scheduled to come into your home that you/someone in your family is sick…house cleaner, nanny, dog walker, home health care provider, and of course, your doulas.
If you haven’t noticed already, the shelves are becoming bare of flu fighting and quarantine essentials. Again, most persons who contract this virus will have minimal symptoms, but you may at some point be asked to stay home and self quarantine whether you have been infected or not.
As more and more people prepare for the possibilities, necessities will be harder to find. Stock up on the essentials you and your family need without going overboard. As of today, hand sanitizer is the new liquid gold and people who really need it (immunocompromised people) are unable to get it. Bottles are selling on Amazon for hundreds of dollars. Today, while we were running our normal errands, we noticed formula and diapers were still on the shelves- but not stocked as well as they normally are.
Bottom line- we have no idea what is going to happen in the days, weeks and months ahead. What we do know is being prepared- for anything pregnancy and parenting related- is important regardless of what is happening in our world.
To our clients- We are watching things closely as they unfold. We will continue to put the health and safety of your family first- like always. We are working our current postpartum contracts, attending births, and taking precautions to keep your family healthy as usual. We will stay in close communication with all of our clients via text, email and/or phone calls like we always do. You know how to reach us 24/7.
If you know us well, then you know we are huggers! So please don’t take it the wrong way when we offer an elbow bump over a warm hug for now...we are only doing our part in keeping you, our clients and our own families healthy!
here’s to health, wellness, and clean hands for all.
We will update this blog post as needed.
UPDATE- MARCH 9, 2020
“IU Health has launched a virtual clinic to offer individuals in Indiana regardless of age free Coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings using the IU Health Virtual Visit App. Staffed 24/7 with IU Health physicians, advance practice providers and registered nurses, the clinic will screen patients from home, potentially eliminating the need to visit physician offices, urgent cares or emergency departments.
The team will recommend and facilitate appropriate pathways for care, and provide direct access and communication with local hospitals as medically appropriate.”
FULL STORY AND LINK TO APP HERE: IU Health Virtual Visit App
