We can’t wait to introduce baby Myles to the world
Playing with cousins and swimming are top of list
New babies born over the last 12 months have been welcome bundles of joy in the midst of the pandemic.
But for mums and dads, pregnancy and birth have been a somewhat different experience from the one they could have expected under “normal” circumstances.
Stirling mum Jollene Irvine and husband Scott were among the many parents who found themselves having to adapt to the restrictions before, during and after welcoming their first child - son Myles David Joseph Irvine - on July 28 last year.
“It wasn’t easy being pregnant or having a baby during a world pandemic,” said Jollene. “No baby showers, no baby shopping, no bump to baby photoshoot, no baby classes to meet other mums. Not many people even saw me looking pregnant.
“I started working from home in the last trimester which was when I actually started to look pregnant. I tried to make the most of it and did my own DIY photoshoot when I was 30 weeks. I’m so glad I did. I love looking back at the pictures.
“Everything was bought online. Pram, clothes, all the baby essentials, nursery furniture...it was like getting little presents every other day. I was on first name terms with my postman and all the delivery people.
“My work, friends and family were amazing and sent me gorgeous gifts so I never felt forgotten about.
“My husband was there for both scans but unfortunately wasn’t able to come to midwife or hospital appointments.”
Lockdown finally eased just as Jollene turned 40 weeks pregnant - but she had to wait another 10 days before her son finally made his entrance into the world.
“The worry I felt as a first-time mum going to the hospital in labour myself was terrifying,” she said, “but I had joined a group on Facebook called Lockdown Babies Scotland and there were so many good news stories about other mums’ experiences so it kept me positive.
“I went into the hospital to be induced on July 27. My husband wasn’t allowed to stay the night and came back the next morning when I was in labour. He was allowed to wait the whole time I was in labour and a few hours after we had our son.
“The Larbert midwife team are incredible. I went through three sets of midwives then doctors etc at the end and every single person I came into contact with was amazing. It certainly wasn’t a good labouring experience but they were so calm and caring.”
Jollene said she couldn’t have managed without husband Scott’s constant support.
“He was my rock. Twelve hours and he was holding my hand and supporting me every minute of the way. Despite him telling me after how worried he was, he kept his cool.
“Our baby boy arrived at 11.10pm on July 28 weighing 9lbs 1oz.”
As lockdown had eased at this point the new parents were delighted to be able to introduce their new arrival to close family and friends.
However, the freedom was short lived when more restrictions were then enforced.
“We attended baby sensory for a while but then that was stopped too.
“Myles is now seven months and would love to be out socialising with family members and other kids. He’s at the stage where he is exploring everything. He’s been to Kings Park and loves just watching other children play. I can’t wait to take him swimming, soft play, beach, safari parks, picnics with family and friends - and I can’t wait for him to play with his cousins.
“He doesn’t even know some of his family members yet. There is so much to look forward to, however, and as soon as lockdown is lifted and restrictions ease I will be getting Myles christened.
“I also can’t wait to get travelling in our campervan and visit my family in Argyll.”
Despite the difficulties, Jollene feels in some ways it has been “a good time to have a baby”, especially being able to bond and have one-to-one time.
“There have been no distractions, nothing to rush to, nothing getting in the way of our time as a family. It’s been our own little bubble of three - plus our dogs Maverick and Nilly.”
Myles’ middle names are after his grandpa and his great grandad, who have both sadly passed.
■For more lockdown babies turn to today’s centre pages. Look out for more pictures and stories of new arrivals of the past year over coming editions.