Challenges A New Mum Faces During The Pandemic And How To Thrive Mentally
F ORAnew mum, having a baby during the pandemic presents a new set of challenges and yet she must learn how to ensure that her mental health thrives. For example, without the typical emotional or physical support from loved ones, it has been a strange and unprecedented foray into parenthood. Increased Concerns by Parents According to research conducted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Royal Foundation; Parental loneliness has dramatically increased during the pandemic from 38 per cent to 63 per cent. This is attributed to a large extent because parents have been cut off from friends and family.
In addition to the normal concerns of becoming a new parent, many new mums are worried about getting the virus or the newborn getting the virus. In addition, unlike any other time, new parents who need support for their mental health are not able to get the regular support they need.
Sarah, a mum, shares that she has missed getting her baby weighed since she gave birth during the lockdown. This is because the regular visits to the paediatrician for well- baby checks have not been happening. This new mum adds this to her list of worries, for example, she worries whether her baby is on the correct percentile or not. She feels that all she and her spouse can do is to weigh the baby at home and “guess” that he is growing well.
Most doctors and clinics have guidelines in place to ensure safety for their patients and health care providers. It is important not to put off seeking medical advice if you have concerns about your baby’s health during the pandemic. Click To Tweet
New Parents and Mental Health During the Pandemic The most challenging aspect of the pandemic has been the effect on new parents mental health. Anxiety and depression amongst expectant and new mums are at an all- time high. Mums are trying to wade through this period by using all the technology available today. Starting with virtual naming ceremonies, to having video calls with friends and family. There has also been an increase in virtual mummy meet- ups and online classes.
Several online antenatal, baby and toddler classes have been popping up online. Many of them are being hosted on Facebook and Youtube allowing parents to get information about how to care for themselves and their babies. All of these substitutes to physical contact can certainly help a new mum and her mental health is positive.
The UK Parliament also shares that the Coronavirus is having a huge impact on families. The Chair of the Petitions Committee, Catherine Mckinnell MP shared that “The Petitions Committee has seen unprecedented levels of engagement on maternal mental health, childcare and maternity leave”.
A new mother who shared that she is isolated with her baby and she has not been able to seek support for postnatal depression, as she would have done if there was no lockdown. For her, she shared that as a result, her mental health has gotten worse. Lastly, she is concerned about going back to work without the time to fully recover.
The very specific challenges and isolation that new parents have experienced as a result of Covid- 19 have very likely had a very serious impact on parental mental health.