Mums say they are feeling forgotten

MOTHERS with young children and babies feel like they have been left as a last priority as there is still no date for baby groups to return.

Many babies who were born in lockdown have now either turned one or are approaching their first birthday, having spent almost eight of of 12 months in lockdown and the remaining four with some sort of restrictions.

Mother’s who have spent the best part of a year’s maternity at home, unable to mix with other parents and unable to meet other mums with new babies have been left feeling forgotten.

“I would say I have never, hand on my heart, I have never struggled with my mental health until this year, and compared to some people, there is no comparison. The constant strain of being on your own is really tough,” said mum-of-two Becky Davies.

Becky gave birth to her second daughter Eliza in February, that was also the last month she held the baby group she runs in Trebanog, Rhondda, called Mammy and Me.

The 36-year-old from Pontypridd started Mammy & Me when her first child, Hattie, now four, was just a baby.

With Hattie having grown up in the baby group, Becky was looking forward to returning with Eliza, but instead has spent the last year at home with her two daughters while her husband worked from home.

“I have not seen anyone, it has been really really hard, not having that usual support system around you and the friends you make in play group. You are literally just on your own,” added Becky.

While Becky admitted the last year has been hard on her, she worries more for first time mothers who are experiencing motherhood for the first time without the usual support of family, friends and baby groups.

“This is what breaks my heart, I have not been able to be there to support first time mothers. I know of so many people who are first time mothers and they have not had the support they need.

“And for the babies, they have not been around anyone. Only now they can start seeing more people and that is limited and restricted.”

She added that baby groups are that one hour out of the house that really makes a difference, especially in the winter when outdoor activities are limited.

Restrictions on children’s indoor activities are due to be lifted on May 17 provided cases remain low.