Joya, a first-time mum, became very isolated during her pregnancy when her husband got stuck in India due to COVID-19 travelling restrictions. Faced with having to go through birth alone, Joya's midwife referred her for support to Parents 1st Essex and Joya was matched with peer supporter Debbie who stepped in as her birth partner.
I was scared, but Debbie really helped me. During labour I was taking gas and she helped me count my breathing. I was asking her everything. Just like she was my momma.”
Joya shares her story of being pregnant through lockdown in the video below...