A brave new mum from Leeds gave birth on her living room floor with only paracetamol for pain relief because her partner is shielding.
Ashlee Graham found out her birthing plans would have to change just one week before she went into labour.
Her partner Richard received a letter from the government saying he was on the Covid-19 high risk list and would have to self-isolate for the next three months.
Ashlee said: “I hadn’t originally planned to have a home birth but it ended up being the best option for us.
"We hired a birthing pool and the home birth midwife was there to talk me through what I needed to do.
“It also meant we could have our home comforts – so as soon as I was ready, we shouted for Alexa to start the “push-it” playlist!”
The birth was a success and the thrilled couple welcomed their baby daughter Agnes into the world.
But being born in lockdown presents its own challenges after birth too.
Ashlee said: “I haven’t left the house in months. I sit in the living room every day and stare at the spot where I gave birth - and I still don’t know when anyone will get to officially meet Agnes."
A recent survey by breastfeeding brand, Lansinoh, has found lockdown is leading 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.
Seventy per cent of those surveyed have reported increased anxiety levels, whilst 60 per cent have reported increased levels of loneliness. What’s more, 12 per cent claim they haven’t left their home since lockdown began, with 26 per cent only leaving their home once a week.
“I do feel a bit robbed of not being able to see my grandparents, or to even spend time with other new mums, pushing the pram around the local park," Agnes said.
"We’ve been keeping in touch with friends and family through the usual methods – FaceTime, sharing pictures, but it’s not the same.
“We’ve been inundated with cards and flowers through the post, but it feels strange that we haven’t had that flurry of visitors that all new parents seem to go through. It also means that taking a quick shower is more difficult than I thought it would be.
“I’m also exclusively breastfeeding, meaning I’ve been doing all of the night-time feeds, so I’m really tired. We wanted to make sure she was exclusively breastfed for at least the first six months. I must say, my new best friend seems to be Lansinoh nipple cream and breast pads – they’ve been a life saver.
“Agnes is totally keeping us going. It’s full on being a new mum and the days and weeks seem to have merged into one.
"I must admit that it’s not at all how I’d imagined this time but, we have a healthy baby and we’re embracing every moment.”
