The need for a new mum to have connection and support from other parents has been around since time began. We’ve all heard the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ This saying really strikes a chord with many parents as our busy lives mean we've lost a sense of community and support.

Parenting groups in Australia have been provided by city councils and their maternal and child health nurses since the 1920s. But due to social isolation, we’re all facing due to COVID-19 this has all had to stop. This means that new mums with little help and support at a time in their lives when they need their village around them more than ever.

To help talk with us about this today is our special guest Belinda Joyce, a midwife, maternal & child health nurse with over 20 years experience.She is also a mother of four and author of 'Survive and Enjoy Your Baby'.

We ask Belinda questions including:

1. What are the major changes have COVID-19 meant for mums with newborn babies and their relationship with maternal and child health nurses?
2. How are new mums feeling at this time with reduced access to support and new mothers groups?
3. Why do you think it is so important for new mums to have the support of a mothers group?
4. What are the benefits of a mother attending a mothers group?
5. With the changes, we’re currently living through, do you think we will see an increase in postnatal depression?
6. What are the differences between Mother’s Groups and Playgroups?
7. What happens when a mother possibly isn’t enjoying mother’s group and or isn’t comfortable in the company of some of the other mums?
8. Why would you see that a mum would need to attend a mothers group for a second time?
9. What are new parents missing out on due to the lockdown?
10. Why did you start the virtual mother's group?
11. What does a virtual mothers group look like?

For Belinda's full article go to :https://kiddipedia.com.au/giving-new-parents-a-virtual-village-to-help-raise-their-baby/