26 Jan Midwife shares advice on how to support mums during the third national lockdown
With England currently under a third national lockdown, breastfeeding brand Lansinoh, along with midwife and antenatal educator, Marley Hall (BA RM DipHE), have shared expert advice to help encourage family and friends to reach out and support new and expectant mums through this difficult time.
This advice follows a study conducted during the first national lockdown, which found that new and expectant mums’ mental health was impacted by reduced social interactions.
Lansinoh’s survey 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. In particular, 70% of those surveyed reported increased anxiety levels, whilst 60% reported increased levels of loneliness.
To help new mums feel supported during the third national lockdown, Lansinoh and Marley Hall are encouraging family and friends of new or expectant mothers to show support in any way they can. Here are some ideas to get started.
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.
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!
Go for a walk in a local park, or have a virtual call
Loneliness was one of the biggest effects of the first lockdown on new mums. When the national lockdown restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so within the government guidelines, why not arrange a socially-distanced walk in a local park? This could really help to lift a new mums’ spirits. Even just knowing they have the offer can make the world of difference. However, if you live further away, then why not opt for a zoom call instead?
