Pregnancy in the pandemic, invisible babies, unheard toddlers and young children’s footsteps not seen. Exploring the experiences of what lockdown was like for families in Jersey. What matters and why?
On 30th March 2020 the Covid-19 pandemic meant that Jersey was in lockdown. It was 42 days before there was a shift to a ‘soft lockdown’. Expectant parents were unable to attend antenatal classes, 94 babies started life in this uncertain period and young children’s lives were disrupted when suddenly they had to stay at home or go to childcare that looked, and felt, different.
“As a Mum to a newborn born just before lockdown, I have missed out on the opportunity to attend church-based parent and baby groups for peer support and to make ‘new mum friends’, I will now not be able to do this prior to my return to work and feel that I have really missed out on this experience this time.” A parent of a newborn, 3 and 5-year-old.
In Jersey, 94 babies started life during lockdown
The first three years of a child’s life have a significant impact on their development and outcomes in life. At a critical time for attachment formation a lack of contact with social and emotional interaction was restricted. A lack of contact with extended family members and grandparent care resulted in “acute emotional pain on all sides.” Children had no opportunity for playing with their friends and parents missed out on key moments in children’s lives.
“Once lockdown happened, my partner wasn’t allowed at any appointments, which was awful for us both. He couldn’t hear the heartbeat or hear information first hand from the midwives”, said a parent of a 6-year-old and a baby.
Thanks to its cross-sector role and membership, the Best Start Partnership has a unique insight into what is happening on the ground in Jersey as families contend with the evolving socio-economic situation.
An understanding of the lived experience of lockdown on babies, young children and their families is essential in ensuring the value of their insights are recognised, and their voices are heard, in making policy decisions and planning next steps in support and services.
The Best Start Partnership are today launching a survey for young children and their parents to invite them to contribute their views on what lockdown meant for them and what they need now. All surveys submitted will be entered into a draw for £50 Co-Op voucher and other prizes.
The survey can be accessed here in English, Polish and Portuguese.
