https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:42:40 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-who-cant-wfh-and-newborn-how-is-everyone-else-handling-this#post-2912386 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 12:51:46 +0000 jennlin821 2912386@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DH is a physial therapist, so he is not on the front lines, but he still has to see patients. </p> <p>As soon as he comes in the door he strips his clothes off, they go in a separate laundry basket down the cellar. He hops right into the shower. After he is clean, the we say hello and give hugs. DD (3) wasn't sleeping well and we had all just gotten over the flu, so I had been sleeping in the guest room. We've decided to keep sleeping separately, just to further distance myself from any possible germs and make sure that each of us are getting good sleep. </p> <p>I'm not sure what I would do in your case, because of your newborn; but it doesn't sound like isolating yourself from him would be good for your mental health. If his parents live close enough, could he stop there to shower on his way home, and leave his work clothes there to be laundered?</p> <p>You (we, us, all) can get through this. Let us know what you need. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-who-cant-wfh-and-newborn-how-is-everyone-else-handling-this#post-2912264 Wed, 18 Mar 2020 09:14:54 +0000 DesertDreams88 2912264@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Maybe these tips from an ER nurse friend would help:<br /> "I have always taken pretty extreme precautions at work. We are blessed to have a third car, that I only drive to work. I have a waterproof mattress pad as a seat cover that I can machine wash if need be. I always put my phone in a ziplock bag, and when I get home, I rip it open, and dump it onto a table as if I were dropping it on a sterile field. When I leave work, I change into plastic flip flops in the parking lot, and leave my work shoes and bag in a tote in my trunk. I have a scrub hamper in the front corner of my garage, where I strip before going inside. I immediately shower before touching anything or anyone. I never touch my face at work and wash my hands so much that my hands literally get so dry and sometimes crack and bleed my my last shift of a stretch. "</p> <p>Maybe implementing some of those protocols would help? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-who-cant-wfh-and-newborn-how-is-everyone-else-handling-this#post-2912262 Wed, 18 Mar 2020 08:38:13 +0000 Cait1 2912262@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi - my husband works in retail and is in contact with the public all day long. So far, only 14 cases have been reported in my county but as testing ramps up and the virus spreads it’ll surely get much higher. I have a 3 week old and a 4 year old and am terrified he is going to bring the virus home and infect them. This new report has me especially freaked out:</p> <p><a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/health/coronavirus-childen.amp.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/health/coronavirus-childen.amp.html</a></p> <p>On his first day back to work after his paternity leave ended (which was Monday), I had him stay with his parents (they are young and healthy) because I was so scared. But then I got zero sleep and spent most of yesterday crying on and off because I was so tired and so lonely and so overwhelmed by all of this - so, I caved and let him come home to help last night.</p> <p>Now I’m wondering if I should have him stay away again. If so, for how long? This could go on for months and months and I don’t know if I can isolate myself alone with the two kids for weeks, let alone months. I feel like such a weakling and sh*tty mom for admitting that. </p> <p>For all of you with young babies who don’t have the option of having both parents stay home - how are you handling this?? </p>