In this section, there will be resources that discuss some elements of family life and infant development that have been most affected by the Covid-19 lockdown. Specifically, how pregnancy and birth and the protocols surrounding them have seen incredible changes (some very controversial), and how working parents are having to find a new balance of work/family life when raising children through the pandemic.
Pregancy and Childbirth
- Stacey Dooley and the Lockdown Babies (BBC Panorama, 3 August 2020)Short documentary following Stacey Dooley as she talks to pregnant women and new mums about their experiences with pregnancy/birth during new Covid-19 protocols, as well as midwives and doctors about how those protocols are enacted.
- Coronavirus: Pregnant women facing 'anxious, worrying time' (BBC News, 26 March 2020)Some short reports from pregnant women in the UK and how their experience of pregnancy is drastically different from what they expected pre-lockdown
- Evidence Based Birth (Podcast episode), 25 March 2020 ‘Episode 121: Evidence on COVID-19 and Pregnancy and Birth’Discussing all the information surrounding Covid-19 in relation to birth and pregnancy (that was known as of March 23rd). An American podcast with a number of American examples, but information useful and applicable to many different parts of pregnancy.
- I am an NHS midwife in the coronavirus crisis. New mothers are scared – the focus has moved to Covid-19 (The Independent, 5 May 2020)An article documenting how pregnancy and birth have changed during the Covid-19 pandemic, from the perspective of a front line worker. Explains issues midwives now face, from the relationship they have with their women to the difficulty of PPE on long shifts.
- BAME women make up 55% of UK pregnancy hospitalisations with Covid-19 (The Guardian, 16 may 2020)This article covers the findings of a recent study which suggests that pregnant women from BAME backgrounds are far more likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19 than white pregnancy women. The new guidance for midwives/support workers is discussed.
- How are mothers and fathers balancing work and family under lockdown (IFS, 27 May 2020A short article summarising the results of a study into how parents are balancing work life and family life since lockdown. Begins with a synopsis of general points, and then continues with key findings of the report.
Family and Child
- Law firms brace for surge in divorce cases during coronavirus lockdownArticle from Evening Standard on the potental increase in divorces during lockdown.
- Wuhan sees divorce rate soar after lockdown is liftedA short article from The Global Times on the doubling of divorce rates in Wuhan once lockdown ended.
- Coronavirus pandemic may lead to couples putting off divorceThis article from The Independent cites a YouGov poll, which suggests that divorces have been delayed due to the pandemic.
- This Is How Coronavirus Is Affecting Single-Parent FamiliesHuffington Post article on the disproportionate impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on single parent families.
- Covid-19 – supporting single parent families through the crisisGingerbread briefing on Covid-19 and the impact for Single Parent Families.
- Women put careers on hold to homeschoolA UCL research project investigates the unequal distribution of homeschooling responsbilties and the impact - yet to be fully felt - on womens' careers.
- Potential childcare shortage post lockdownProfessional childcare providers who suffered devasting losses of income during lockdown may no longer be in business as the workface returns to the coalface.