By Lizi Potter from Oxford Parent Infant Project

The current Covid-19 lockdown measures present many challenges for us all.

At any time, it can be stressful being pregnant, being a new mother; taking care of a baby or toddler.

Having a baby and being a parent in unusual times may trigger many different and mixed feelings.

Read also: Coronavirus impact on children and young people's mental health care

With more Covid-19 social restrictions now in place, parents may be experiencing more stress, and uncertainties.

These feelings may affect their family relationships and specifically their relationship with their babies and toddlers.

One of the most important roles of a parent is to support a baby with their feelings.

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Babies and toddlers do not have the skills to manage their own feelings and so are dependent on their parents to help them to feel calm and safe.

For a parent to support a baby with their feelings, they need to manage their own feelings as best as possible.

This may not be easy, especially in these difficult times. With that in mind, it is essential that parents take time for self-care so that they keep well and are able to be available for their babies.

Some practical ideas are:

• Keep connected with others

• Listen to music

• Take time to focus on your baby/think of your unborn baby

• Have a break

• Play

• Think about how your baby or toddler may be feeling

• Notice how you are feeling

• Be kind to yourself

For further information on these suggestions and for links to other resources, please visit oxpip.org.uk/ideas-for-parents-covid19.

If you have your own ideas that you have found helpful, please let us know by email info@oxpip.org.uk or tweet us @OXPIP.

We Are Here for You During the Covid-19 lockdown.

At the Oxford Parent Infant Project (OXPIP) we provide short-term intensive therapeutic support to parents and infants in and around Oxfordshire, from conception to two years old.

OXPIP supports parents struggling with post-natal depression, mental and emotional health difficulties, a baby that struggles to sleep or feed, anxieties about parenthood or a difficult birth experience.

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Parents we work with describe the support as literally 'lifesaving'.

As one mum said: “I feel like a completely different person. To actually be able to enjoy my kids instead of just worry about them - it feels amazing.”

Another mum said: “OXPIP made me realise it was ok to say things are hard some days.

“Before I felt I was alone in feeling this way but now I am better able to recognise and acknowledge the tough times without letting them dominate my day”.

If you feel that you need to contact someone from OXPIP for support, or you know someone who needs support, please be assured that we are here for you.

We are now offering digital sessions via platforms such as Google Meet and FaceTime, or telephone.

These can either be a one-off or series of sessions, depending on your situation.

Please self-refer using the form on our website at oxpip.org.uk/access-services or call us on 07784 197 088 to arrange a conversation.