Pregnant During A Pandemic

I reached out to a friend who experienced pregnancy and birth during this pandemic that we are all facing and I wanted her to share her perspective. This is especially important for women who are currently pregnant, whether they just found out or they’re about to go into labor. Savor these words and know that you're not alone. Many have walked your path and have been scared and that is why I wanted Ligi to share her story through this blog interview. My hope is that you’re encouraged through her journey and can gain strength to continue to walk yours.

So without further ado, let’s get right to it.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Ligibell- or Ligi. I married the man of my dreams five years ago and together we have built a family with three beautiful babies! I am an enterprenuer and love helping women in the hair and skincare industry through the amazing company, Monat.

2. What was the most challenging moment during  your pregnancy and how did you overcome it? 

ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION. 

After having our second child, my husband and I thought we were done having kids but God had other plans. My anxiety stemmed a lot from a place of inadequacy. I would ask myself “can I really mother THREE babies?!” I questioned myself, my ability and my sanity A LOT throughout this last pregnancy and it brought me into a dark depression for the first few months. Not to mention this last pregnancy was physically taxing, the most challenging of all. I cannot tell you exactly how I was able to overcame the anxiety and depression I felt; things got very chaotic in the world as my pregnancy continued. However, a way I was able to cope with my anxiety and prepartum depression was through the bonding my unborn daughter. For that time-frame, it was just her and I. There were days when I would just cry and talk to her and feeling her kicks and movements reassured me that I was not alone and it solidified connection. It gave me hope and strength to push forward. So I like to believe, she saved me. (If you are going through anxiety and depression, please talk to someone. Don’t bottle up all of your emotions, express them. You are not alone, ask for help you).

3. You just recently had your third child during this pandemic period. How was your birth experience in the midst of all the chaos?

I truly had the most incredible birth experience because it was AWAY from all the chaos! My husband and I initially planned on a hospital birth for our last child, just as we had done for our other two children. But once the “pandemic” continued to worsen, hospitals became a scary place for us and I personally felt unsafe. At that point, we decided to explore other options. I was 35 weeks pregnant when we decided on a HOME BIRTH!! I know... INSANE. However, we felt at peace with our decision as this option was the safest for our family. All of my checkups were done from the comfort of my home which meant, I did not have to leave my house and risk any exposure at all. That was a win in my book! This brought a level of tranquility and peace that I very much needed in my life. And for that I am grateful. Being pregnant during a “pandemic” is a different kind of scary. The fear of the unknown is haunting and if there was a something that I could grasp on that made me feel at ease, I was going to do it and for me it was having a home birth. Being in a familiar environment that brought me comfort and having the ability to somewhat control the outcome of my daughter’s birth was very important to me and a home birth gave me the ability to do just that! It’s important to plan, I am a believer of dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s but at the same time be open to changes. Not everything will go according to plan but if you loosen the grip and trust God, they will go according to His plans and His plans are way better than ours!

4. You’re now a mommy of three, a wife and a business woman, how are you juggling the three without neglect either role?

Honestly, I don’t know. I try my very best to have great time management skills and balance everything well. I will say this, now that I have three kids, it’s very important for me to make sure that the two older ones feel included when my time is spent their baby sister so I try to incorporate them as much as possible so they can develop a bond with her. As far as marriage goes, my husband and I make an effort to spend as much quality time as possible with with each. It may look different, it may look messy but we are intentional with the time we spend together and that makes us both very happy. Date nights usually happens when the kids are asleep or even when they are playing off to a corner. We make it work! Lol. And as far as my business, the beauty of it my work is I get to do it from my phone, whenever and wherever. So when I have some downtime to pick up my phone, I use it to push my business forward and it’s provided me much success. It’s not easy, you have to sacrifice some things to gain others but when you invest time in something, that means it’s important and for me family is important and then my business.  The goal is to maximize your time and use it well. It can get overwhelming at times, but nonetheless it is very rewarding and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m still getting the hang of this whole mom of three thing so it a work in progress, just like anything in life.

5. What words of encouragement can you give our friends who are pregnant, and/or will be having their babies during this difficult yet historic time?

FAITH OVER FEAR. Trust that God has allowed us to carry these babies through this season because They. Have. PURPOSE! Don’t allow your mind to make you believe this season isn’t still one of the happiest and most joyous seasons of your life. Pregnancy is a gift. Motherhood is a gift. Enjoy your journey, even if the world around you looks scary;  your baby is safest with you!

Thank you Ligi for sharing your heart! You can follow her on social media at: @ligibellsanchez_xo 

If you can relate or know someone who can, feel free to share this with your friends. And if you’re currently pregnant during this pandemic or have recently given birth, share your story with us, we would love to hear all about it!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

~landypf