It's "only" August, but I know I am not alone in feeling that this has been some flipping year.
Thre is no denying that 2020 has been challenging for all of us – living through an actual pandemic is no joke. But
a new report out today shows just how challenging it's been for expecting and new parents, in particular.
'Babies In Lockdown' is an online survey of 5,474 expectant mothers, new parents and parents of toddlers in the UK undertaken during the pandemic – and it highlights the chronic under-resourcing of services for families, the inequalities in babies’ early experiences and a worsening forecast for the sector due to the pandemic. And while this study was conducted in the UK, there is no denying that a similar one done here would no doubt come up with a very similar result.
The research was put together by leading UK charities
Home-Start UK,
Parent-Infant Foundation, and
Best Beginnings, and its aim was to shine a light on new parents' health and wellbeing and care inequalities, and is calling on the government to act now to avoid a 'Post-COVID19 lottery'.
Taking a toll
The report reveals that the majority of pregnant women and new parents are really feeling the toll of the pandemic in their day to day life.
It found that:
- Almost 7 in 10 found their ability to cope with their pregnancy or baby had been impacted as a result of COVID-19.
- Only one third expressed confidence in being able to access mental health support if required.
And not only is it impacting parents but their baby or child, too:
- Nearly 7 in 10 (68%) felt the changes brought about by COVID-19 were affecting their unborn baby, baby or young child.
- Almost half (47%) of parents reported that their baby had become more clingy.
- Just 1 in 10 (11%) parents of under-twos have seen a health visitor face-to-face.
Perhaps most startling is the increase in anxiety in young families.
The report found that:
- Almost 9 in 10 (87%) parents were more anxious as a result of COVID-19 and the lockdown
- 6 in 10 (61%) parents shared significant concerns about their mental health.
Do these stats ring through with you too? Did you have a baby during the pandemic? Let us know in the comments or tweet us at @herfamilydotie
