Can you do self-insemination at home ?
Two writers from our team, Emily and Sarah, have experienced the pandemic in starkly different ways. They share the choices made during this time and how those decisions suited their families.
Emily: New England Mom of Three
As a mom of three, including five-year-old twins who started kindergarten and a fourteen-year-old son entering high school, this year has been a significant transition for us. My role as a full-time program director at a small nonprofit switched to remote work. My partner, Jamie, a hospital chaplain, returned to work, sometimes in the presence of COVID-19 patients. By summer, I was grappling with a new level of mental fatigue. Juggling our kids’ online learning, monitoring their screen time, ensuring they submitted assignments, and coordinating virtual meetings felt overwhelming. To cope, we took calculated risks by visiting grocery stores and Target, just to break the monotony. We hiked regularly and ensured we spent time outdoors, adapting to life during the pandemic.
Sarah: Southern Mom of Three
I have three boys aged seven, eight, and eleven, who were already homeschooled. My husband works as a public school teacher, and his job went remote almost immediately, remaining that way until November. Anticipating a long pandemic, we invested in an above-ground pool and a trampoline. Living in a state with high COVID-19 rates meant that unmasked individuals were common, even within our homeschooling community, who appeared to disregard CDC guidelines early on. With the percentage of positive cases so high, we kept our children at home, venturing out only for quick trips to Target or grocery stores, where we often found ourselves reminding others about social distancing.
Emily: Pandemic Sanitizing
I’ve always been diligent about hygiene, carrying hand sanitizer before it became a necessity. We have large bottles of sanitizer in both cars. When the kids get in from school, they immediately use sanitizer, and their clothes go straight into the wash as they head to the shower. I wash their hair frequently, and they wear fresh masks daily. When Jamie comes home from the hospital, she cleans up immediately. We shower and change clothes as soon as we get home, ensuring we minimize any risk of exposure. Thankfully, we haven’t contracted the virus.
Sarah: Pandemic Sanitizing
Before the pandemic, I was the mom who believed in the five-second rule and encouraged my kids to play in the dirt. However, once COVID-19 hit, we started sanitizing everything, even our mail. Now, we’ve relaxed our approach, relying on sunlight and fresh air. When we do go somewhere indoors, we limit our time and ensure proper ventilation. My kids don’t change clothes after outings, but my husband, now working face-to-face, heads straight to the shower after work.
Emily: Grocery Shopping
I’ve learned to use grocery delivery apps, replacing my weekly shopping trips with online orders—a convenience I had never embraced before the pandemic. I started using these services in February 2021 to avoid long lines in the cold. I rationalized that using delivery apps could also help support those working in the industry.
Sarah: Grocery Shopping
Given that many in our state disregard mask-wearing, grocery shopping has been a challenge. We limit our trips to quick runs for essentials at off-peak times, while larger orders are delivered. Though we dislike the extra cost, we make sure to tip generously, appreciating the risks these delivery workers take for our family’s needs.
Emily: School During the Pandemic
As a mixed-race family, my wife and I understand the value of education. Jamie’s experience as a hospital chaplain reassured us about sending our kids back to school. Our school district has been communicative about infection rates and has implemented various safety measures, such as mask breaks and hydration protocols. Our children feel safe and are thriving in their school environment.
Sarah: School During the Pandemic
Fortunately, our homeschooling situation didn’t change much due to the pandemic. However, my husband’s job has introduced stress regarding school safety. With high infection rates, it often feels uncertain. Thankfully, he’s been able to implement safety measures in his classroom, and he recently received his vaccine.
Emily:
In the end, we feel confident in our decisions for our family. Our children need support and community beyond our home. With summer ahead, we’re planning activities while staying vigilant and continuing to prioritize safety.
Sarah:
We believe we’ve made the best choices for our family, despite the isolation. My kids have learned the importance of sacrifice for the greater good. We’ve maintained family connections through Zoom, and our children have grown closer. We’ve been fortunate that we can adapt our lifestyle to suit our needs, but we acknowledge the privileges that allow for our choices.
If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out one of our blog posts here. You can also find valuable insights on insemination methods at Intracervical Insemination and IVF resources that can assist you in your journey.
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Summary:
This article highlights the differing experiences of two families navigating the challenges of the pandemic. Emily, a New England mom, emphasizes the importance of community and education, while Sarah, from the South, reflects on the isolation and safety concerns of homeschooling. Both families have made choices that they believe are best for their children, adapting to the evolving situation in their respective regions.