Chantelle, Debbie and Terina, Peer Supporters from Parents 1st Essex share their experiences of providing virtual group support to pregnant mums during the pandemic.
Lockdown left pregnant mums unable to access traditional antenatal classes and connect with other local mums, leaving many feeling isolated, worried and unprepared for labour and birth. In response to this unusual situation, Parents 1st Essex (along with many other peer support programmes) redesigned their antenatal groups and provided other ways for mums to connect through virtual methods.
Used to working face-to-face in the community, Chantelle, Debbie and Terina share the challenges they faced in adapting to providing virtual support: