Clydesdale councillor delighted at return of classes for new parents

Lynsey Hamilton was “gutted” when a class she and her daughter Erin attended in Hamilton had to be cancelled after stricter coronavirus restrictions were brought in.

Parents warned sessions could fold if guidance wasn’t changed, potentially leading to an increase in postnatal depression and a negative impact on child development.

Following on from that, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that limits on class sizes would double from five to 10 adults with their children under 12 months in a bid to maintain the viability of the groups.

She said: “We hope this change, while I’m sure not satisfying everybody, will strike a better balance between supporting the wellbeing of new parents and in particularly support perinatal mental health while also taking appropriate steps to stop the virus spreading.”

Councillor Hamilton is now looking forward to getting back to the class.

She said: “I am delighted Nicola Sturgeon listened to the women who run these classes and the mums who attend them and allowed them to run again.

“After experiencing pregnancy during lockdown I was delighted to be able to attend a class in Hamilton with my 13-week-old daughter Erin.

“It was amazing to get out the house and meet other mums and it felt safer than going to a cafe or the supermarket. We were gutted when it was cancelled.”

“It feels like as a lockdown mum we have had a unduly rough time during pregnancy, birth and after our babies were born so I dread to think the effect its had on peoples pre and postal natal mental health.

“These classes will go a long way towards helping that. Thank you to everyone who fought for this change.”

Central Scotland list MSP Monica Lennon had supported parents campaigning for the change.

She said: “This is a huge victory for parent campaigners, who have finally had their voice heard by Nicola Sturgeon after days of uncertainty and hopelessness.

“I was inundated with emails and calls from constituents across Lanarkshire. We organised a virtual meeting at two hours notice, and over 100 people took part.

“A change to the guidance was necessary to avoid baby classes closing altogether. This is a positive development, and the Scottish Government must now work with parents and providers to support toddler classes and activities for the under 5s too. We need to get it right for every child.”