Vaccines and Quarantines: COVID-19 from a Pregnant Mom’s Point of View

by Jamie Le Sesne Spears, Family Engagement Specialist

My journey to motherhood has been a long and winding road. Like most, it started with hopes of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby. However, our story took a different path. Over the past five years, I have experienced infertility, failed fertility attempts, at-risk pregnancy, and infant-loss. Simply put, it has been more difficult than I ever imagined.  

My Pandemic Pregnancy

When we became pregnant with our rainbow baby in the fall of 2020, I was naturally hopeful and anxious. Yet, this time my pregnancy had an extra layer of fear due to COVID-19. I suddenly had to face the pandemic with a different perspective; I no longer was protecting myself but also my growing baby.  

Parenthood is a constant state of making decisions that are best for you and your children. This is no different for pregnant moms. 

After finding out I was pregnant, every decision I made about leaving the house and wearing a mask was influenced by my pregnancy and the current status of the pandemic. Some decisions were made for me. For instance, my husband was not allowed to attend my appointments. I know many women who delivered with their masks on and family far away. Every pregnancy story is different, and yours will be different than mine. Nonetheless, we all faced mandates and tough decisions this year regarding our pregnancies and deliveries.   

Pregnancy and the COVID-19 Vaccine

Hope came in the form of a vaccine early this year, but the decisions I had to make seemed heavier. With the science still in pre-trial stages for pregnant women, it brought more uncertainty for pregnant and breastfeeding moms. It was and continues to be overwhelming when resources are circulating from a variety of institutions, not to mention the varying opinions found in social media. 

To help answer questions, Child Care Answers reached out to Patrick Glew, MPH, from the Indiana Immunization Coalition. With his knowledge and support, we created a one-page resource for pregnant and breastfeeding moms. Despite the evolving research and trials, there are some facts that can help inform your vaccination decision.  Please check out our resources below to learn what we know and how to stay informed.  

COVID-19 Resources for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Moms

• RESOURCE GUIDE: COVID-19 Vaccine: Resources for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Moms from the Indiana Immunization Coaltion and Child Care Answers.
• LIVE WEBINAR: Vaccination 101 with the Indiana Immunization Coaltion and Child Care Answers. Wednesday, May 5 from 1:00-2:00pm. Register on Zoom.
• WEB PAGE: Information about COVID-19 Vaccines for People who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).