Post-Lockdown Scandal: The Overlooked Plight of New Mothers in England

There is a growing sense of unease in England, a scandal that has yet to fully erupt, concerning the treatment of women who gave birth during the Covid-19 lockdowns. This issue, simmering beneath the surface, has been felt acutely by many, including myself, whether in hospitals, playgroups, or at school gates. While the shortage of midwives and the lack of continuity in health visitor care are significant issues, this scandal is rooted in the broader impact of the government’s pandemic response on birthing individuals and young families.

Last Friday, I attended a poignant play titled Three Mothers, which delves into the experiences of women who navigated childbirth and early motherhood during the lockdown. The play, written by Antonia Mackay, is based on real testimonies and paints a harrowing picture of disenfranchisement and isolation. The stories of three women unfold on stage, highlighting the terror of being unable to access medical advice, the loneliness of not having in-person health visits, and the isolation of not being able to connect with other parents.

The Pandemic’s Impact on Maternal Health

The pandemic’s restrictions had a profound effect on maternal health. According to data, there was a 50% increase in nursery closures between 2022 and 2023, and a stark disparity in maternal mortality rates among women from Black ethnic backgrounds compared to their white counterparts. These figures underscore the systemic issues exacerbated by the pandemic.

“In 2021, we mothers sat or lay behind our curtains in a stunned, shared state of shock,” writes journalist Hannah Marsh in her book Thread: A Caesarean Story of Myth, Magic and Medicine.

Marsh’s account reflects the widespread sense of abandonment felt by new mothers during this time. Partners were often banned from hospital wards, leaving women to face childbirth and postnatal recovery alone. Meanwhile, public activities like dining out and outdoor sports were permitted, highlighting a glaring disparity in the prioritization of maternal health.

Voices from the Frontlines

Many women, including those in my own circle, experienced this abandonment firsthand. While I personally adhered to lockdown regulations, I was fortunate to have a supportive partner and a safe environment for my child. However, the stories I heard from friends were troubling. One friend recounted her solitary birth experience, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the government’s “Eat Out to Help Out” campaign.

The lack of support extended to playgroups and antenatal courses, which were either closed or moved online. Partners were relegated to the role of couriers, exchanging essentials in hospital car parks, unable to be present for their newborns. This situation was not the fault of healthcare professionals, but rather a systemic failure to prioritize women’s health during the pandemic.

Looking Forward: Addressing the Trauma

As the children born during lockdown prepare to start school, the question remains: how do we address the trauma experienced by their parents? The scars of isolation and neglect are still present, and the need for systemic change is urgent. The political landscape, dominated by those who were not directly affected, must acknowledge and address these issues.

The scandal of maternal neglect during the pandemic is a reminder of the need for inclusive and empathetic policy-making. As we move forward, it is crucial to ensure that the voices of those most affected are heard and that their experiences inform future health policies.

While the full extent of this scandal has yet to erupt, its implications are clear. The need for change is pressing, and the conversation must continue to ensure that no mother is left to face such challenges alone again.