Ask Motherly: I’m about to have two kids under 2, during a pandemic—how do I do this?

Essential gear for the two under 2 phase

Baby Bjorn

Bliss Bouncer

Tula

Explore Carrier

Prioritize you

New motherhood is a grind. New motherhood with two under 2 is even grindy-er. Nothing feels better than getting an hour of quiet time, bath time or walk-around-the block time completely to yourself. Whether it’s a luxurious hour to yourself watching Married At First Sight (guilty as charged!) or just a few minutes to call a friend and talk to a real live adult (who’s not your partner), advocating for time to yourself is more important than ever. Meditation has been a lifesaver for me (try the Mindful Mamas app if you’re looking for a mother-centered meditation approach).

Find a way to get help—whether virtually, co-quarantining or live-in care

We don’t do a good job in caring for new mothers in ordinary times. So it’s doubly important for you to find ways to advocate for yourself in this new pandemic parenthood. Having some form of help (virtual or real-life) lined up can be a lifesaver. From virtual lactation consultants, to asking your mother-in-law to quarantine and take a Covid test before meeting her new grandbaby, to finding a trusted family in your neighborhood to form a pod—in these strange times it’s time to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. You deserve the support of a full village, even now. Especially now.

Remember that good enough is good enough

Nothing will go exactly according to plan, especially during a pandemic . Celebrate your little victories along the way, because in the end, they’re not little at all. They’re the little moments that make big lifelong motherhood memories.

And give yourself a giant hug and pat on the back for rocking this wild season of life.

You’ve got this.

Jill + Liz