Belinda Joyce
Having a baby, especially your first is already a challenging time but during this COVID-19 Pandemic, many new parents are feeling alone and isolated. They are missing out on many of the usual supports such as friends, family, health professionals such as lactation consultants, obstetricians, child health visits and parent groups, due to social distancing. Many even missed out on childbirth education classes to prepare for the birth of their baby.
We have a whole country of distressed parents who feel anxious and desperate. Parents are screaming out for help, support and social connection.
Some families had arranged for a parent to fly from interstate or overseas to come and stay after the birth and support their family and meet and bond with their new baby. But with most travel cancelled, state borders closed and the need for 14 days of quarantine on arrival into Australia this has not been possible. Even families who have relatives that live locally do not want to put grandparents over 60 years of age at risk by being around grandchildren. This leaves many families with little help and support at a time in their lives when they need their ‘village’ around them more than ever.
I have started a virtual parent’s group ‘Survive and Enjoy Your Baby Mothers Group’ where new parents can meet online and see and hear from each other as well as gain some professional advice. As a maternal and child health nurse, I am all too familiar with the common parenting challenges such as feeding, crying, sleep & settling as well as parents own wellbeing. Being able to meet regularly even online is better than being alone and unsupported at home. Parents have access to a qualified maternal and child health nurse who can answer all their questions about their beautiful baby’s health and development.
Mums tell me they feel better just knowing that they are not the only ones feeling this way, even though they knew they weren’t, actually being able to see and interact with other parents makes all the difference. Seeing that they are having some of the same challenges and feelings, makes them feel less isolated.
In the virtual mothers group Mums and Dads enjoy sharing their own tips and ideas that have worked for them such as play and tummy time ideas as well as sleep and settling advice and more. They can open up about how hard it has been living in isolation and they can discuss products and services that have been helpful.
Health professionals working with new parents are feeling for them and looking for ways to support them as well as keep them safe at home where possible. Some health services and professionals are promoting my initiative and referring parents into the group as a means of support for their new parent patients.
Please come and join my group, meet other parents, and ask a qualified maternal and child health nurse any questions regarding the health and wellbeing of you and your baby.
Sign up today and receive the Zoom details for our next virtual mothers group, I look forward to meeting you.
https://belindajoyce.com/survive-and-enjoy-your-baby-mothers-group/
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