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This is a post that started as an email to my list. It's from a series of reflections I wrote as coronavirus ramped up. If you enjoy it, perhaps subscribe here.

I started writing this email as a light-hearted recommendation to watch The Big Bang Theory. I've been enjoying it for about 3 weeks now and it's simple, a re-hashing of sitcom old ground, like Friends but with a group of PhDs who self identify as nerds.

If you don't know the show, the focus is on Sheldon, a theoretical physicist who isn't socially aware enough to know he's being taken care of by his mates.

Obviously, I was addicted from the first episode because my partner and his crew are software engineers. The jokes transfer to our social circle. Sort of.

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This is a post that started as an email to my list. It's from a series of reflections I wrote as coronavirus ramped up. If you enjoy it, perhaps subscribe here.

I was annoyed to hear my local triathlon club are still doing their usual long run session, albeit at a 2m spacing. Afterwards they hang out in their cars and chat through the windows. I'm tempted to ask - can they not just stay at home?

But I breathe, pause and remember that when I'm scared it's easy to cling on to self-righteous anger as a way of making myself feel better.

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This is a post that started as an email to my list. It's from a series of reflections I wrote as coronavirus ramped up. If you enjoy it, perhaps subscribe here.

I run a big midwifery community on Facebook, and we get questions.

The best ones come from our 'Anonymous Qs' form.

Here's a good example:

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This is a post that started as an email to my list. It's from a series of reflections I wrote as coronavirus ramped up. If you enjoy it, perhaps subscribe here.

I realised coronavirus was going to be a problem on 13th March. It's now the 25th. So it's been nearly 2 weeks of manic activity, and no space to breathe.

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It's really frustrating me that I'm not in practice right now. I want to be making a difference.

Coronavirus is obviously a wild card that the NHS didn't need and the situation will get worse before it gets better.

I'm no expert and I'd advise everyone to listen to scientists and medical professionals, and your Trust, for the latest information and official recommendations.

It's good news that midwifery clients and babies seem to be at low risk - the RCOG Guidelines are here.

And public health scientist and infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm has been sharing a lot of his insight.

I found this interview to be very helpful in understanding transmission and remaining calm and centred.

Twitter is also a great place for information if you follow the right people and critique what you read, this list is a good place to start (thanks Tim Ferriss).

I'm thinking of everyone out in practice, especially those who like me, have elderly loved ones with asthma, high blood pressure and some funky undiagnosable sinus conditions.

And I'm also aware that every professional I've talked to about coronavirus has said 'we will get through this'.

There's a great interview on finding peace amidst the chaos of coronavirus here, lots about on acknowledging fear and letting it come through you so you can find your centre again.

Healthcare professionals will be leading with their calmness and the number one question I'm asking is 'who do I want to be in this situation?'

The likelihood is if you're on MidwifeDiaries.com, you're the kind of person that's interested in caring for others - so if you're doing this, thank you and look after yourself mentally and physically,

All my best,

Ellie x