New parents in Portsmouth demand maternity pay is extended due to coronavirus

The House of Commons is set to debate whether maternity leave should be extended because of coronavirus.

It will also look at what more the government can do to support new parents.

A petition, which has received more than 185,000 signatures, calls for maternity leave to be extended for three months with pay.

It states: ‘This time is for bonding and social engaging with other parents and babies through baby groups. These groups are vital for baby development, bonding and educating both babies and parents. Given that the government have closed down many areas of the community, new parents and babies are confined to their homes with no social interaction which will ultimately impact on the development of children.’

Parents in the Portsmouth area have spoken of their support for the idea.

Cara Lant, 32, said: ‘I had my baby in February. I haven’t been able to attend a single baby and mums class, and they’ve closed all health visitor clinics.

‘It’s my first baby, and I’ve found this to be quite isolating. I’m lucky I have a great family and some friends who have had children.

‘But without those I would have been stumbling around in the dark. I definitely feel like we’ve both missed out on a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and get advice and development.’

Emily McDermott, a former midwife from Portchester, who now runs Toes2heal, a company which offers maternity reflexology as well as weight loss, said: ‘Pregnancy and becoming a new mum is such a daunting time for anyone usually and having the support of other family members, friends and mum support groups really helps not just physically but mentally to adapt to being a parent. Lockdown has taken this luxury away from mums. Many have had to adapt to mummyhood with little support so being able to extend their maternity leave for three months will enable them to gain and experience this support from others and enjoy that time before returning to work. I think this would add both information gathering and joy to any new mum.’

Jayne Sime, who runs baby massage company SweetestFeeling.co.uk, said many of her clients had shared their concerns with her.

She said: ‘Many new mums are concerned for their babies’ development with the restrictions on socialisation.

‘They worry about the lack of variety in their babies’ lives and how they may become easily overwhelmed and overstimulated once they suddenly start to experience noisy environments and larger groups of people.’

However, not everybody agrees, Sophie Elisabeth said: ‘Not being able to go to baby classes is not a reason to extend maternity leave. There are women all over the world who manage just fine without “baby sensory” or other classes.’

Shellie Powell said: ‘Whilst I understand how new mums are feeling, I would have done anything to have uninterrupted time with my kids when they were newborn.’

Current government rules allow eligible employees to take up to 52 weeks maternity leave - with statutory maternity pay paid for up to 39 weeks. This is made up of six weeks of average weekly earnings then £151.20 for the next 33 weeks.

To sign the petition go to petition.parliament.uk/petitions/306691

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