“It Shook My Whole Parenting Plan”: Parents’ Experiences of Being at Home with Their Newborn Baby During the COVID-19 Pandemic

A cross-sectional online survey was undertaken (July–August 2020) to ascertain parents’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic of being at home with their newborn baby in the first 6 weeks. Participants (n = 371) were mostly biological mothers (n = 369, 99.4%), white British (n = 351, 94,5%), first baby (n = 186, 50%). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between maternal confidence and number of children (rho (369) = 0.295, p < .001) and baby’s age at time of participation (rho (369) = 0.139, p = .009). Participants without higher educational qualifications (median = 62, SIQR = 3.5) had statistically significant higher confidence (U = 11831.500, p < .001) than participants with higher educational qualifications (median = 58, SIQR = 2). Parents of babies without health issues at birth (median, 61, SIQR = 3.5) had statistically significant higher confidence (U = 13213.500, p < .001) than parents of babies with health issues at birth (median = 58, SIQR = 5). Three qualitative themes have emerged: the impact of “no partner” restrictions; mixed emotions and lack of information and support. In conclusion, parenting during a pandemic created anxiety and fear, affected by “no partner” restrictions, not being allowed to appointments, scans, and during labor. Some parents were more confident and indicated benefits including heightening bonding with baby and partner during social distancing.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
The strain of the pandemic on the mental health and well-being of parents could have a negative impact on future parenting.

Healthcare professionals should not underestimate the potential consequences of declining perinatal mental health and should be vigilant to screen, enquire, and refer.

Further research on this cohort of parents and children exploring the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their ongoing health and wellbeing could be beneficial for future health-care policies and guidance.