Perinatal Loneliness and Isolation Early in the COVID‐19 Pandemic in New York City: A Qualitative Study

• DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13695
• Publication Date: 2024-11-09T14:18:57Z
• Authors: Brooke S. West; Lida Ehteshami; Clare McCormack; Beatrice Beebe; Ginger D. Atwood; Judy Austin; Vitoria Chaves; Violet Hott; Yunzhe Hu; Maha Hussain; Margaret H. Kyle; Georgia Kurman; Marissa Lanoff; Andréane Lavallée; Jeremiah Q. Manning; Mary T. McKiernan; Nicolò Pini; Grace C. Smotrich; William P. Fifer; Dani Dumitriu; Sylvie Goldman
• Keywords: Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Isolation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, birthing parents were identified as a high-risk group with greater vulnerability to harms associated SARS-CoV-2. This led necessary changes in perinatal health policies but also experiences of maternal isolation and loneliness, both hospital settings, due infection mitigation procedures, once home, social distancing. In this study, we qualitatively explored postpartum New York City during early days pandemic when lockdowns effect practices rapidly changing. Using thematic analysis, our focus was on isolation, navigating these experiences, potential impacts loneliness for 55 people. Participants described numerous stressors related process, including reconciling their hopes birth realities unknown separation from partners, family, friends hospital. period, manifested having limited or no contact family friends, which feelings need strengthened support systems. The impact negative shaped mental health. Overall, found that solitary major sources stress participants study. To impacted families prepare future crisis events, clinicians researchers must prioritize development strong clinical structures people ensure child