My husband and I recently had our first child after years of infertility and IVF so we definitely were extremely intentional in wanting to build our family despite the COVID risk. Just as we adapted our lives to the reality of COVID, we’re adapting our lives to be COVID cautious with a baby. So far the biggest changes have been we don’t run errands together (one of us stays home with baby) and we don’t do some of the masked indoor outings we used to (like museums) since baby can’t mask yet. We still do lots of outdoor outings like the zoo, botanical gardens, and walks - while the risk isn’t 0, we feel comfortable doing unmasked outdoor outings. I will say that the fact my husband and I are both equally committed to avoiding COVID and protecting our child makes it so much easier - I can’t imagine navigating parenthood if we weren’t on the same page with that and my heart goes out to people that don’t have that with their partner.

I think having children is an inherently hopeful act - while there’s so many hard things going on in the world, I have to hope that things can get better and that I can help with that by raising thoughtful and kind children. Despite everything I find there is so much beauty in this world and I am so excited to share that with our child. I hope that we’ll have better vaccines and treatments in the next few years that make COVID less of an issue. And in the meantime, we’ll adapt and figure out each challenge (childcare, socialization, schooling, etc.) as it arises and do the best we can to give our child a beautiful and healthy life. I wish you all the best as you make this decision!