{"id":51903,"date":"2021-03-12T16:05:28","date_gmt":"2021-03-12T16:05:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=51903"},"modified":"2021-03-12T16:38:05","modified_gmt":"2021-03-12T16:38:05","slug":"mams-in-the-pandemic-pregnancy-birth-and-babies-in-lockdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2021\/03\/12\/mams-in-the-pandemic-pregnancy-birth-and-babies-in-lockdown\/","title":{"rendered":"Mams in the pandemic: pregnancy and birth in lockdown"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Three mothers from Rhondda Cynon Taff discuss their experiences <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>GROWING, birthing and raising a baby is no mean feat but to do so in the middle of a global pandemic is nothing short of extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51641\" width=\"368\" height=\"184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-770x385.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-2048x1025.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-500x250.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-585x293.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-1170x585.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-1500x750.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-293x147.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-1400x700.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 368px) 100vw, 368px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51641\" width=\"368\" height=\"184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-770x385.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-2048x1025.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-500x250.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-585x293.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-1170x585.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-1500x750.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-293x147.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/cardiff-year-of-covid-feature-01-1-1400x700.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 368px) 100vw, 368px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Mothers have had to attend antenatal appointments alone and, in some cases, faced labour alone, then once at home, they receive little physical contact from health visitors, family or friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a statement issued to <em>The Cardiffian<\/em>, Home Start Cymru said: \u201cParenting has been tough at the best of times but Covid has placed unprecedented pressures on families.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" title=\"RCT Mams: pregnancy, birth and babies in lockdown\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4ZODsMoL9cE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><noscript><iframe title=\"RCT Mams: pregnancy, birth and babies in lockdown\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4ZODsMoL9cE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript>\n<\/div><figcaption><em>Two of the mothers further discuss the highlights and challenges of having a baby in lockdown<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For 39-year-old Kat Booker, her experience of pregnancy was nothing short of \u201chorrific\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kat and her partner Scott found out they were pregnant with their daughter, Nancy, in February 2020 just weeks before the country was placed under lockdown on March 23.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kat attended her first scan alone, due to Covid-19 restrictions, during which doctors noticed an issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51932\" width=\"381\" height=\"508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-770x1027.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-293x391.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-1400x1867.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 381px) 100vw, 381px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51932\" width=\"381\" height=\"508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-770x1027.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-293x391.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-1400x1867.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157216055_887385938775423_1444332039517617045_n-1-2-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 381px) 100vw, 381px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Kat, her partner Scott and baby Nancy.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Kat and Scott attended the University Hospital of Wales where the mother-to-be underwent a Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), which is used for antenatal diagnosis of chromosomal or genetic disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the test, the pair received a phone call informing them that unborn Nancy had Down Syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kat then had to resume solo appointments which caused issues in the couple\u2019s relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe&#8217;ve not bonded over the pregnancy at all because I felt like I had to deal with everything by myself and my partner just got to stay at home and not have to come and hear it all and not have the pressure,\u201d said Kat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most difficult part of the antenatal appointments for Kat was the fact that she didn\u2019t have her partner\u2019s support when at every appointment, she was offered a termination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u201cWhen you&#8217;ve just been told everything won&#8217;t be fine, it&#8217;s very hard,\u201d she added.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Kat said that she understood that doctors had to provide a realistic expectation of parenthood however, she felt that she got bombarded with a list of potential issues rather than guidance on the practicalities of raising Nancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe hospital was just like &#8216;the baby\u2019s got Down&#8217;s that&#8217;s it, it&#8217;ll be really hard work for you&#8217; and then there was nothing, no literature or anything, which would have been very helpful,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During what was meant to be one of the most exciting times of their lives, the pair were left feeling more anxious than eager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51929\" width=\"361\" height=\"482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-770x1027.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-293x391.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-1400x1867.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51929\" width=\"361\" height=\"482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-770x1027.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-293x391.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-1400x1867.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/157191480_3237017829858233_1595790481907399399_n-1-1-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Scott sees Kat and Nancy for the first time in a week.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>She added: \u201cWe didn&#8217;t get to enjoy it because every appointment was \u2018you need to worry about this, and do you really think you could cope with a child with additional needs?&#8217;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;ve got my first scan photo, but I couldn&#8217;t look at it because they were like \u2018this shows you that there&#8217;s something wrong&#8217; so I just felt sick looking at it when I should have been enjoying it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kat gave birth to Nancy in September 2020, unfortunately, the guidelines in place when Kat was induced meant her partner was unable to join her until just before the birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only 20 minutes after Kat called her partner, their daughter had arrived, and Scott got to the hospital five minutes after she was born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baby Nancy is currently awaiting an operation on her heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Widely accepted as the most painful experience of a woman\u2019s life, labour is undoubtedly gruelling but for some mothers, complications can make it an even harder experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rebekah Ellis, from Taffs Well gave birth to her third child Aurora-Jane in November 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like Kat, Rebekah also checked into hospital alone as her partner wasn\u2019t allowed to join her until she was taken to the delivery ward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the birth of her previous two children, Rebekah haemorrhaged, so during her most recent labour, she was put on a drip to try to prevent the bleeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to the challenging nature of the birth, Rebekah\u2019s partner was able to stay with her after the birth for more time than is advised under current restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u201cHe was able to stay that extra bit longer than other fathers were, so it was lucky that I haemorrhage really,\u201d said Rebekah.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Since returning home following the birth of Aurora-Jane, Rebekah has relied on the support of her mother who lives in the same block of flats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf I didn&#8217;t have my mum living so close, I think I would have struggled a lot more than  I have,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158868610_235738741580113_6949029774913588240_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51936\" width=\"346\" height=\"615\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158868610_235738741580113_6949029774913588240_n.jpg 540w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158868610_235738741580113_6949029774913588240_n-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158868610_235738741580113_6949029774913588240_n-293x521.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 346px) 100vw, 346px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158868610_235738741580113_6949029774913588240_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51936\" width=\"346\" height=\"615\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158868610_235738741580113_6949029774913588240_n.jpg 540w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158868610_235738741580113_6949029774913588240_n-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158868610_235738741580113_6949029774913588240_n-293x521.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 346px) 100vw, 346px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Phoebe aged 6 and Chase aged 4, pose in Welsh jerseys with their new sister, Aurora-Jane.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Since being born, Aurora-Jane has been monitored at home by a health visitor due to concerns about her weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, when Alert Level 4 restrictions were brought forward on December 20, one of Aurora-Jane\u2019s appointments was cancelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt made it awkward because the baby went an extra two weeks without putting on weight and now, we\u2019re trying to find out why it\u2019s happening 15 weeks down the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt does concern me a bit because if those appointments had been there in the first place, we would have picked it up sooner,\u201d said Rebekah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For some mothers the lack of face-to-face consultations with health visitors has been welcomed as an opportunity to be more independent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Melissa Forster is a 40-year-old mother of three, living in Treforest. She gave birth to her youngest daughter, Gwenhwyfar in August 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Melissa and her husband have found their postnatal experience in the pandemic preferable to that of their previous two children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u201cI&#8217;ve enjoyed the lack of contact because I feel I&#8217;ve been trusted just to get on with it,\u201d said Melissa.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The mother of three daughters, Melissa feels that the additional contact is sometimes unnecessary since she has already had a good amount of experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI feel like I know what I&#8217;m doing now, and I don&#8217;t really want all the contact from the midwives and the health visitors, I just want to get on with it,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158799072_456991365425652_6694645368868022206_n-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51945\" width=\"451\" height=\"338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158799072_456991365425652_6694645368868022206_n-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158799072_456991365425652_6694645368868022206_n-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158799072_456991365425652_6694645368868022206_n-1-293x220.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 451px) 100vw, 451px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158799072_456991365425652_6694645368868022206_n-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51945\" width=\"451\" height=\"338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158799072_456991365425652_6694645368868022206_n-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158799072_456991365425652_6694645368868022206_n-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158799072_456991365425652_6694645368868022206_n-1-293x220.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 451px) 100vw, 451px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>6-year-old Megan and 4-year-old Niamh swooning over their new sister, Gwen.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the birth of the couple\u2019s oldest daughter, six-year-old Megan, Melissa felt there was an unnecessary focus on the baby\u2019s weight which they haven\u2019t had to experience with Gwen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cShe hasn&#8217;t been weighed incessantly, she hasn&#8217;t constantly had to go to the baby clinic, and I find that nice and calm and more relaxing because it feels like there&#8217;s less pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While having more time to bond has been a highlight for the family, the lockdown has restricted baby Gwen socially as she has never met another baby her age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe try and go walking as much as we can, but I haven&#8217;t been to one baby group this time around, and that&#8217;s something I really enjoyed doing with my older two children,\u201d noted Melissa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to not seeing any other babies, Gwen has also been unable to meet her own grandparents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158642573_273024827542412_9115160275960588718_n-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51948\" width=\"382\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158642573_273024827542412_9115160275960588718_n-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158642573_273024827542412_9115160275960588718_n-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158642573_273024827542412_9115160275960588718_n-1-293x220.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 382px) 100vw, 382px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158642573_273024827542412_9115160275960588718_n-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51948\" width=\"382\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158642573_273024827542412_9115160275960588718_n-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158642573_273024827542412_9115160275960588718_n-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/03\/158642573_273024827542412_9115160275960588718_n-1-293x220.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 382px) 100vw, 382px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>Melissa and Gwen take a photo while on a Christmas wal<\/strong>k. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Melissa\u2019s parents live in the Lake District and her father is vulnerable to the virus because of a heart condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He has recently received his first dose of the vaccine, but the family want to wait until he\u2019s fully vaccinated, and travel restrictions are lifted before they make the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFor my mum and dad not to have met my third child in person, that&#8217;s pretty hard,\u201d Melissa said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It usually takes a village to raise a child but faced with the added pressures and restrictions of a global pandemic, you may argue that it takes a whole city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Home Start Cymru said: \u201cHome is where it starts and to give children the best start in life families need a range of support, from professional services to community-based support in and around the home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The charity has a network of volunteers across Wales who are currently providing emotional and practical support via remote digital services for those who need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you feel you would benefit from the charity\u2019s services, you can ask for a referral via your midwife, health visitor or GP.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>GROWING, birthing and raising a baby is no mean feat but to do so in the middle of a global pandemic is nothing short of extraordinary. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":114,"featured_media":51908,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7152,14,571],"tags":[2578,7169,7168,715,7167,6512,2859,7166,6306,4306,7087,1374],"coauthors":[6884],"class_list":["post-51903","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-year-of-covid-in-cardiff","category-longer-reads","category-r-z","tag-birth","tag-down-syndrome","tag-home-start-cymru","tag-labour","tag-mams","tag-mothers","tag-mothers-day","tag-parenting","tag-rhondda-cynon-taff","tag-taffs-well","tag-treforest","tag-university-hospital-of-wales"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ 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