New mums in lockdown offered support by Portsmouth pair

With fears about coronavirus and the country in lockdown, giving birth and looking after a newborn is proving a real challenge for many.

That’s why two friends have set up a Facebook group to give reassurance to any pregnant women or mums of newborn babies in the Portsmouth area.

Hannah Hanscombe, from Hayling Island, and Jennifer O’Brien, from Waterlooville, started the group called ‘LOCKDOWN bumps and babies near Portsmouth, UK’ last month and they now have nearly 300 members and growing.

Hannah, 30, said: ‘Various people were saying to us that they were gutted that they couldn’t attend any of the usual mother and baby groups, or prenatal classes, they felt like they had lost a lot of support.

‘That’s why we set up this group for local ladies, so they can all support each other and ask questions and get real answers from real people.’

Scores of mums have posted about their positive experience in the group.

Natalie Wylie said: ‘I’ve found the group and all of its members have really lifted my mood during lockdown.’

Alice Bramson said: ‘It’s a source of knowledge and love from all involved.’

Hannah and Jennifer, 28, met through their businesses. Hannah runs photography company Little Pixels which specialises in newborn shoots and Jennifer runs Perfect Little Castings, which takes casts of newborn hands and feet.

They both have three children and hit it off as friends when their paths crossed.

The group has seen input from many businesses and organisations such as Southsea Slings, the Daisy Foundation, Toes2heal, as well as others on subjects like essential oils and pain relief.

It hosts live Q&A sessions, posts information and shares light-hearted posts.

Hannah said: ‘It is a sad time at the moment and we do acknowledge that. A few mums have come on and had a rant, but that’s okay as we can provide support and then they can move on.

‘It’s all about staying positive. It’s a nice feeling to think we are doing something positive.’

To join search LOCKDOWN bumps and babies near Portsmouth, UK on Facebook.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on portsmouth.co.uk. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to portsmouth.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit our Subscription page now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.