Mamas in Lockdown: Personal stories of becoming a parent during Covid-19 lockdown in Aotearoa New Zealand

Mamas In Lockdown is an emotional and inspiring collection of personal stories from over 70 parents who were pregnant or gave birth during the Covid-19 pandemic in Aotearoa New Zealand. Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, especially those having a baby. From giving birth without the support of a partner or chosen midwife, to having a home birth instead of a hospital birth - the changes have been unexpected and disconcerting for many. While supporting families with breastfeeding during the lockdown period, it became very clear that parents needed to talk about what had happened. Many hours were spent listening to parents, and Denise knew how therapeutic writing their stories had been for a couple of these mums. She put out a call for others to see if they wanted to write their story to share in a book. Denise was flooded with many incredible, heartfelt, emotional and empowering stories. Parents need to tell their stories, they deserve to have them heard.

About the Author :
Denise Ives, founder of Mamas in Lockdown is a qualified Breastfeeding Counsellor. Prior to moving to New Zealand in 2009, Denise trained with National Childbirth Trust and University of Bedfordshire in England. Denise and her family now live on the Otago Peninsula in Dunedin and proudly became Citizens of New Zealand in 2016. In 2010 Denise founded The Breast Room (R), a registered charity based in South Dunedin that runs a free one to one breastfeeding support drop in clinic, as well as providing free education, information and support to families online, via email, phone, text and - more recently - via Zoom. It was during the time of lockdown and Zoom consults that Denise realised how much families needed to talk about their experiences of being pregnant, giving birth and learning to feed their babies during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many women were feeling isolated, alone and lacking in support, and were trying to come to terms with how their birth had been changed beyond their control. Being someone who likes to write to empty her head of busy thoughts, Denise wondered whether this might be a tool that these mothers would find useful. When Denise discussed the idea of writing everything down as a way of moving forward and putting things into perspective with some mothers, they thought it was a great idea and were really keen to share their stories... and the book was born.

Review :
"This book provides a generous and unique insight into the lived experiences of women who have walked the journey of pregnancy and birth during Covid-19." "This book requires full engagement by the reader, as just like the pandemic changed the world as we knew it, these are experiences we will be unpacking for many years to come." "These narratives locate us in a time and place where there is still much to learn." "Mamas in Lockdown captures a unique moment in history/herstory. Babies do not wait for anyone! The personal stories in this book portray the challenges and beautiful moments of strength and courage. For mother's birthing in the hospital where there was sometimes a confusing regime of rules and lack of support as everyone struggled to grasp the implications of the pandemic. Other mothers recount their struggles with breastfeeding, lack of support and finding new ways to the support they needed. Beautiful put together, this book will draw you in!"