After struggling with infertility for three years, Robert and Alexis Aguero welcomed their son Asaph in May 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. Amid the challenges—canceled baby showers and hospital visitors, postponed introductions of Asaph to family and friends—Robert, a forester, began working from home for the first time. Then, Alexis resumed her work as a graphic designer for a medical company from home following a three-month maternity leave.
To their surprise, the Agueros liked it. Robert bonded with Asaph and enjoyed checking in on him during breaks or after a difficult meeting. Alexis was able to nurse Asaph and wear comfortable clothes. She struggled with postpartum depression but said it would have been harder to leave Asaph with a stranger every day. Alexis’ mom, and more recently other caretakers, help care for Asaph while the couple works in separate rooms from home.