Exactly one year on since the UK’s first national lockdown, a midwife has shared her experience of how the pandemic has affected new mums.
A new study conducted by breastfeeding brand Lansinoh has found that, due to lockdown measures, many new mums have seen their midwife more than their own mum over the last 12 months.
In fact, 40% of new mums have seen their own mum or maternal figure less than twice during the last 12 months, while 43% have seen their midwives more than six times. The study also found that 52% of mums have required more emotional support from their midwife during this period, compared with previous pregnancies.
As we reach the one-year mark of the first lockdown, Marley Hall, registered midwife and brand ambassador for Lansinoh, reflects on how the last 12 months have impacted new mums and midwives alike.
Marley explains: “The pandemic has caused a great deal of loneliness and anxiety amongst new and expectant mothers – many new mums aren’t getting the support they so need from family and friends in the early days.
“Breastfeeding clinics, antenatal classes and playgroups were all cancelled. Everything seemed to move online so that women still had a connection with the outside world, but it’s not quite the same.
“I’ve seen a ten-fold increase in the number of questions I receive from new and expectant mums via social media. These questions have been similar to before the pandemic – surrounding breastfeeding, how to tell if they are in labour, why is their baby crying so much – but the number has increased exponentially.”
But it’s not just new mums that have been affected. Marley explains the impact that the pandemic and new Covid-19 measures have had on midwives themselves.
“I have full admiration for all midwives, doctors, nurses, doulas and any other professionals involved in the care of pregnant women and new mums. They are exhausted. Women are still giving birth, still need antenatal education and breastfeeding support, and some women are Covid-19 positive whilst still needing this support.
“Working in PPE also makes it difficult to build a rapport. I have a client who I have visited 5 times, yet she has never seen my face, so I have to try to smile with my eyes and show compassion in my voice instead.”
The last year has seen new mums depend on healthcare professionals more so than ever before. Lockdown restrictions have limited the support new mums can receive from family and friends, meaning the special relationship between new mums and healthcare professionals has become a key part of new mothers’ support networks.
As a thank you to healthcare professionals, and to help celebrate the tireless work they have done over the last year, Lansinoh has launched a campaign encouraging new mums to nominate a healthcare professional who has provided exceptional support during pregnancy and post-partum, to receive a special thank you gift.