Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between emotional health and wellbeing and support needs of perinatal women during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to understand their experiences and need for support. This is a potentially vulnerable group and a critical developmental phase for women and infants. A mixed methods design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data that provided a robust insight into their unique needs. A total of 174 women who were either pregnant or post-birth participated. The main findings demonstrated that women in this cohort experienced varying levels of stress and isolation but also positive experiences. Exploring the relationship between mental health (perceived stress and wellbeing) and resilience (mindfulness and self-compassion) revealed an association between positive mental health and higher levels of mindfulness and self-compassion. Positive mindsets may be protective against psychological distress for the mother and her child, suggesting that meditation-based or similar training might help support expectant and post-birth mothers during times of crisis, such as a pandemic. This information could be used to make recommendations for future planning for practitioners and policymakers in preparing for prospective infection waves, pandemics, or natural disasters, and could be used to develop targeted tools, support, and care.
Highlights
IntroductionThe unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on mortality and morbidity and global upheaval has far exceeded that of any recent disease outbreak (World Health Organisation, 2021)
Women were stratified according to high and low mental wellbeing and positive mindset scores, very similar themes emerged between both groups
Self-compassion and mindfulness predicted better mental health scores and lower perceived stress, consistent with other research in this field [28,29]. These findings indicate that self-compassion and mindfulness are potentially useful intervention targets for promoting mental health in perinatal women and supporting the development of compassionate traits in early child development [30]
Summary
The unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on mortality and morbidity and global upheaval has far exceeded that of any recent disease outbreak (World Health Organisation, 2021). The large-scale impacts of lockdown restrictions on social, emotional, and economic wellbeing are predicted to have unparalleled and extensive implications for mental health in broad populations, independent of biological effects of infection [1]. Containment efforts critical for halting the spread of the virus have increased social isolation, loneliness, relationship stress, and disconnection from communities [2]. There is little understanding of the long-term impacts on mental health and wellbeing of
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