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Support for families and children

Pregnancy, childbirth and infant feeding

You are likely to have lots of questions about your antenatal and postnatal journey and how it might be affected by COVID-19. Remember to try and enjoy it as much as you would under normal circumstances and rest assured that there is lots of advice, information and support that you can access during this time.

To best look after yourself and your baby the key things to remember are;

  • Follow all up to date government guidelines to reduce your risk of catching the virus:    all the guidance can be accessed at the following website https://gov.wales/coronavirus
  • If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19 you should use the NHS 111 online service for information: NHS 111 online
  • Continue to attend all of your appointments as advised by your maternity services: COVID-19 patient advice (scroll down to the ‘Maternity’ section)
  • For best protection it is vital that we receive our immunisations on time – this remains the case during the current COVID-19 pandemic: Immunisations
  • You can still breastfeed your baby – there is currently no evidence to suggest that the virus can be carried or passed on in breastmilk: Breastfeeding during COVID-19
  • If you chose to feed your baby with formula or expressed milk, it is recommended that you follow strict adherence to sterilisation guidelines: NHS sterilising information. See here for advice on formula milk during the COVID-19 pandemic: Milk for baby during COVID-19
  • Once home, everyone in the house should follow all guidance on hygiene and you should avoid inviting anyone else into the house: COVID-19 and pregnancy
  • Do not put off seeking medical advice if you have concerns about your baby’s health during the pandemic. Seek medical advice if your baby has a fever, lethargy, irritability, poor feeding, or any other symptoms you may have concerns about
  • Remember that your mental health and wellbeing is extremely important during this time. For general information on mental health before, during and after pregnancy and the latest information on COVID-19 and pregnancy please see the Maternal Mental Alliance website and the Tommy’s website.

Supporting children

The onset of COVID-19 has hit us hard, supporting children and young people is important to ensure that they feel protected. Here is some information, advice and support that may help to face this situation as a family:

  • COVIBOOK is a short book created to support and reassure children, under the age of 7, regarding COVID-19. The book invites families to discuss the full range of emotions arising from the current situation. Even if you’ve kept your toddler away from news about COVID-19 in the media or overhearing adult conversations, they are bound to have questions. The recommendation is to print this material so children can draw on it
  • CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services) in North Wales have developed a resource pack for parents and carers, a young people’s resource pack and a large collection of downloadable self-help guides: CAMHS downloadable resources
  • FACE COVID, developed by Dr Russ Harris (author of The Happiness Trap), is a set of practical steps for responding effectively to the COVID-19 crisis, using the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Activities that you can do as a family

Parents and carers are facing an unusual time due to changes to learning and teaching.  Here are some ideas and resources to support you and your family during this time:

Further information to support you and your family during this time