Lockdown babies...how parents and children are feeling the impact of the pandemic
Video report by Jennifer Buck
Having a new baby is meant to be one of the happiest times of your life, but for parents having a baby during lockdown, there's more to face than usual.
New parents are not just battling the usual sleepless nights, they are feeling isolated and alone with little face to face support on offer due to the pandemic.
Parents are now worried about the long term effects on them and their children.
Jenn Davy-Day suffered with anxiety before having her first baby in January, but the coronavirus restrictions just made things worse.
She was positive and upbeat about socialising with baby Dora when she was born and wanted to the most of her maternity leave, but lockdown hit as she about to start her first baby classes.
The feeling of isolation and loneliness led to postnatal depression.
Six weeks of lockdown stretched to months and with few face-to-face appointments with a health visitor or chance to make new friends Jenn admits she felt lonely and isolated.
Jenn was referred to the Perinatal mental health team where she received treatment along with care from her GP.
She is now back at work and feeling more positive about the future.
Sarah Garcia De Bustos had her second baby Matilda in July while her first child Hector was just 19 months old.
Like so many lockdown pregnancies Sarah struggled through antenatal appointments alone due to covid restrictions and says the isolation has continued.
Sarah says it was hard this time because she knew what she was missing, after taking Hector to baby classes most days.
Claire Currie is a former health visitor who runs baby classes across Manchester, she has been forced to move them online and says they are vital for any new parent.
The Manchester-based charity Pregnant then Screwed have helped make park meetups a bit more pleasurable for parents after successfully campaigning for preschool children not to count in the rules of two people meeting up, they say it's invaluable.
The group were also instrumental in making childcare bubbles and informal healthcare legal under the current lockdown restrictions.
If you or someone you know if suffering with postnatal depression or feel you need help with loneliness or isolation after becoming a parent please contact: