A local Niverville couple, Raesha and Joel Enns, are expecting their first child in August. Joel runs his own roofing company, JJE Roofing & Construction, while Raesha stays at home working on the accounting side of the business.
“As small business owners,” Raesha says, “we are anxious to see how this will affect our spring start-up for our construction company.”
But even more top of mind for Raesha is her pregnancy.
Pregnancy always comes with a multitude of appointments. The most recent one, the 20-week ultrasound, has already led to a change of plans.
“Unfortunately, Joel wasn’t allowed to join me for that appointment, as they’re trying to limit the amount of people entering the hospitals,” she says. “I had to go through security and sanitize before I was escorted by a nurse to my appointment.”
At this point, there has been no change to the number of her prenatal appointments. The couple are also still on track to give birth at the Women’s Hospital at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, which was their original birth plan.
“The only changes we’ve heard about so far is that you’re only allowed one support person in labour and delivery with you,” Raesha says.
This means there won’t be any option for a birthing coach or doula, for those who had wanted one.
In the meantime, the couple and their two dogs have been finding ways to pass the time. “We’ve started spring-cleaning, going for walks, spent time watching some of our favourite pastors online, and we’ve really enjoyed spending more time in the kitchen trying new recipes!”
The biggest concern for Raesha and Joel will become a reality once the baby is born. Becoming a parent changes your whole world, and having grandparents and other experienced moms and dads around to help out can be a huge comfort. The Ennses originally intended to be proactive by scheduling time with these supporters, to help lessen the chance of postpartum depression after the baby arrives.
Obviously that has changed. With the uncertainty of how long the current social distancing measures will last, Raesha predicts, “We won’t be able to have visitors come see the new baby.”
The silver lining in all this?
“While I was taken by surprise at everything being implemented at the hospital, it was reassuring that our hospitals and their amazing staff are doing everything they can to keep their patients safe and healthy!”