Guest post: Parents’ pandemic experiences deserve to be heard.

[NicolaDMumsnet]

The pandemic affected parents. That’s why Mumsnet is working with the independent and impartial UK Covid-19 Inquiry to encourage our network to share their unique experiences of the pandemic and ensure the inquiry sees the full picture.

While the pandemic affected every single person in the UK, it had an especially big impact on parents. This is your opportunity to share the impact it had on you. Your story can help to inform the Inquiry’s investigations and give you the chance to share what you think could be learned, what could have been done better, or differently, or if something was done well.

What is the UK Covid-19 Inquiry?

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry is the public inquiry set up to examine the UK’s response to and impact of the pandemic. The Inquiry is independent from the government and is completely impartial.

It is inviting the UK public to share their experiences of the pandemic, launching Every Story Matters as an opportunity for everyone who wishes to, to be able to contribute their story to the inquiry.

Why should I share my experience with the Inquiry?

The Inquiry wants to hear from as many people as possible, from different communities across the UK, and especially those most significantly impacted, like parents. 

Some parents from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry team have shared why they think it’s important to share your experience as a parent with the Inquiry via Every Story Matters:

“My first baby was born in lockdown in May 2020.  In the run up to her birth I remember feeling like restrictions were changing almost daily at my local hospital and I was terrified that I would have to give birth alone.

It wasn't the maternity leave I had expected.  There was no baby shower, no family visiting for baby cuddles (or much needed support), no coffee dates with new mum friends, no baby classes and even local baby health clinics were shut.  I spent most of my maternity leave at home with my baby, alone.   

It’s so important that the experiences of parents from the pandemic are heard so that lessons can be learned for the future.”



"My wife had our third daughter at home in July 2020. As her partner, I was not allowed to any of the prenatal appointments due to Covid restrictions. Having had our first two children pre-pandemic, I knew what I was missing out on - not being able to hear my baby’s heartbeat, or see them on the ultrasound scan, or ask any of the usual questions. 

At the time, our other daughters were four and two years old. We felt the impact on them acutely, particularly on our two year old. She missed out on formative toddler groups, preschool sessions and other chances to mix with other children. We couldn't take them to the park to let them blow off steam.

We, as parents, were isolated from our usual support groups of family and friends. We were unable to form a bubble with grandparents due to them being needed elsewhere, or being vulnerable. Raising three small children, one of which is newborn, is a challenge in normal times. It took a huge toll on our physical and mental wellbeing."


We know some experiences are painful to talk about, and sometimes it’s difficult thinking back, but the Inquiry needs to hear from parents. Your unique and individual experience is valuable, more so than you might think, as it will help the Inquiry to understand the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on communities like ours.

How can I share my experience?

You can fill in the Inquiry’s online form to submit your experience of the pandemic. There are also accessible versions of the form available here.

Stories will be collated, analysed and turned into themed reports, which will be submitted into each relevant investigation as evidence. The reports will be anonymised.


Support

Help is available if you need it. Sharing your experience may trigger some difficult feelings and emotions. If you need help please see a list of support services here.