We’re so lucky to be loving every minute of life in lockdown with our beautiful girl
Most new mums are missing their own mums – but lucky Laura McCormack has hers by her side during lockdown.
The 36-year-old, from Bothwell, Lanarkshire, gave birth to baby Ella-Rose just two weeks ago.
And, as they were living together when social distancing measures were introduced, Laura’s mum Mary and dad Brian have been able to help out with the new arrival.
“We were meant to move into our new-build house on March 27 – the week we went into lockdown,” said Laura.
“We were staying with my parents while we waited for the keys when staying at home was announced, so were in isolation with them from the beginning.
“We decided to limit contact – get our food shop via click and collect and order anything else we needed online.
“So when we eventually got the keys for the house and were able to move in, we made a decision to carry on as we had been so they were able to come and visit us.”
Project manager Laura says that, out of all the family, she and partner Robert Scott have probably run the biggest danger of contracting Covid-19 despite taking every precaution.
“We obviously had to go to hospital for the birth. But we have all been okay.”
Laura had to give birth just as the coronavirus crisis was intensifying.
“It was a bit crazy,” she said. “I have a history of pneumonia and it was thought the coronavirus peak would be just after my due date when it would be risky being in hospital, so I was induced to avoid that.
“My labour progressed really quickly to the point that Robert almost missed the baby being born. He arrived just 12 minutes before Ella-Rose was delivered.
“It was upsetting for me thinking he wasn’t going to make it.”
Leaving hospital to take Ella-Rose home for the first time also brought unexpected difficulties.
“Robert wasn’t allowed to come in so the baby was wheeled out to the car park in a cot and transferred to her car seat there,” said Laura. “I suppose I just waited so long for this baby to be born and it turned out not to be what I was expecting but I appreciate these things were done to keep us safe.
“I just need to remind myself that we’re lucky it all went well – and there is much more happiness to come.”
She added: “Since we got home it’s been brilliant. We are on cloud nine, just loving every minute.
“Lockdown isn’t ideal for having a new baby but we’re making the most of it.
“And we’ll get a chance to show Ella-Rose off to everyone we know and love eventually. It just might take time.”