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Abstract

Introduction
Lockdown restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic had a negative impact on many aspects of our lives. In the UK some groups were disproportionately affected. Evidence indicated higher rates of stress and depression among parents during restrictions. Disruption to early years education interrupted preschoolers’ language and cognitive development. Associations between parental health and child behaviour are also apparent, where parents experiencing mental distress report their child has more difficulties with self-regulation. The longer-term impacts on infants born during restrictions, who are now approaching school age, are not yet known. It is important to get parents’ retrospective reflections and explore the longer-term impacts of lockdown restrictions on families.
Materials and Methods
The study followed a retrospective qualitative interview design. Recruitment sampling ensured views were gathered from people of different genders, sexual orientations, birth/adoptive status and geographic areas. Those residing outside England were excluded; participants needed to speak sufficient English to be interviewed. Interviews were conducted using Zoom software and analysed using Framework Analysis.
Results
Seventeen participants were interviewed. Three overarching themes emerged: navigating antenatal and postnatal care alone; difficult decisions when caring for an infant and the long shadow on the family. Major issues which emerged included attending antenatal appointments - and in some cases giving birth - alone; limited postnatal care; disrupted parental leave; changes in employment and strained relationships. Residual effects continued for some participants, including psychological impacts.
Discussion
Although parents were able to report some positive consequences of the pandemic restrictions, the prevailing experience was one of restricted access to services and missed opportunities for support. In the event of a future pandemic, restrictions should accommodate couples from the same household more pragmatically, and children’s developmental checks should not be deprioritised. Finally, as part of post-pandemic provision, in-person antenatal and post-natal care and consistent early years provision remain vital services which must be acknowledged by policy makers.

Acknowledgements
We would like to thank all the parents for the insights they gave to the BICYCLE team.

If the issues raised in this article affect you personally, please consider speaking with your GP, health visitor, school nurse or your child’s teacher, as appropriate. If you are a healthcare worker you can also get support from NHS England, by visiting: NHS England » Support available for our NHS people Games to support children’s language and communication can be found at: BBC Tiny Happy People

Publication Type:	Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform Q Science > QR Microbiology > QR180 Immunology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Language & Communication Science School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology Presidents's Portfolio
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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