There could be a long-lasting impact on the future health, wellbeing and life chances of babies born during the pandemic, as parents face heightened stress, social isolation and mental health problems says the NSPCC.

Between April 2020 and January 2021 its helpline received 3,608 contacts from adults about parental mental health. The monthly average has increased by 44% compared with last year 1

Well before the pandemic, reductions in public health spending on early years and a significant decline in health visitors meant many families were not getting the help they need.

Without the right support at the right time, mental health problems during pregnancy and the first year can have serious consequences for both children and families. The charity is  calling on the Government to prioritise parents and babies in the nation’s recovery.

Social distancing has meant that many fathers and partners have been excluded from screenings and many women have given birth alone. As well as parents and babies being isolated from the support of family and friends over the past year, up to 50% of health visitors were redeployed away from supporting families in some areas during the first lockdown.

Access to support for families and babies has long been inconsistent, but the pandemic has now thrown up even bigger challenges for parents. Now is the time for urgent action to ensure that health visitors are able to build up those vital relationships with parents and to refer families to quality services in the local area.” says Vicky Nevin, senior policy and Public affairs Officer at the charity

 

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