I gave birth to my first child, Lena, in early 2018. A somewhat traumatic birth experience, challenges with breastfeeding, and the expected-but-still-intense sleeplessness left me feeling like my world had been totally turned upside down.

I’m expecting baby #2 this summer, and I can’t help but wonder how being pregnant and giving birth during a pandemic might affect my mental health or ability to bond with my child. I’ve spent the last year isolated from friends and family.