How to support new mums during lockdown 2.0
With England currently under a second lockdown, breastfeeding brand, Lansinoh, is encouraging family and friends to reach out and support new and expectant mums. This advice follows a study during the first national lockdown in March, which found that new and expectant mums’ mental health was impacted by reduced social interactions.
In June 2020, Lansinoh conducted a survey* which found that the first UK lockdown led to increased levels of anxiety and loneliness in new and expectant mums, due to not being able to spend this special time with friends or family.
70% of those surveyed reported increased anxiety levels, whilst 60% reported increased levels of loneliness. What’s more, 12% claimed they hadn’t left their home at all during lockdown, with 26% only leaving their home once a week.
Meanwhile, research* uncovered by Lansinoh, has found that one in five new mums will experience a mental health issue during the fourth trimester, yet 85% of mums believe society does not understand or support mothers enough.
Speaking of her personal experience, Molly Chadwick, a new mum from Bradford who gave birth in May, explains: “I’ve found becoming a new mum a little bit strange. I was fully prepared to have a magical maternity leave – spending time with friends, going to baby and me clubs, meeting new mummies and enjoying every moment I had with my little girl. Unfortunately, this hasn’t been the case.
“I also feel for my little girl, who hasn’t met many of her family members or my friends and has only seen masked faces when out in public.”
To help new mums feel supported during the second national lockdown, Lansinoh, along with midwife and antenatal educator, Marley Hall (BA RM Diphe), are encouraging family and friends to show support in any way they can. Marley’s top tips include:
- Offer to help with practical tasks
Even during lockdown, there are a number of practical things that can really help new mums, such as providing meals, or offering to do a food shop and dropping it off on the doorstep. Women need that mental space to be able to have those self-care moments, which is really important, and having support from family and friends to allow them to do that, is really valuable.
- Arrange a socially distanced meet-up in a park or a virtual call
Loneliness was one of the biggest effects of the first lockdown on new mums. However, the current lockdown restrictions still allow you to visit outdoor public places with one person from another household (this does not include children under five). This can be a great way to provide support for your loved one, and prevent feelings of loneliness during this monumental time in their life. Or, if you’re not quite ready to meet in public, then why not opt for a zoom call.
- Provide emotional support
As well as practical support, it’s important for new and expectant mums to know that they have the emotional support of their family and friends if it’s needed. Whether it’s through arranging regular virtual meet-ups, or just being at the end of the phone during a midnight feed, these small gestures can make a huge difference. It’s all about checking-in with the new mum – sometimes all they want is to have an adult conversation!
New mum, Molly adds: “Although it’s not been perfect, I have made the most of what we have been able to do, such as going for distanced walks with friends, Face Timing loved ones, and joining new mum groups on Facebook – these things have definitely helped make things seem more normal. I find positivity is the way forward!”
