MUMS who gave birth during the global pandemic have reflected on the past 12-months.

Summer, 17, gave birth to daughter Darcie-Mae Kathleen Jane Wendy Shea on June 26 2020 at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

The Journal reported in October that Summer, and her partner Hayden Shea, were told four times that they was expecting a boy.

But Summer was left stunned when she gave birth to a baby girl. Reflecting on the past year and navigating life as a new parent during Covid, the former Rhyl High School pupil said: “This year has been an absolute weird one. We’ve had so much took away from us that we would of liked to do as a family such as days out, taking Darcie to baby classes.

“It has been such a hard time on us all, but as a new mum it is hard. There is no support out there due to lockdown, but I’m in a few mums group on Facebook which are amazing such as ‘mummy and me’. That group is my ‘go to’ for advice and just general chat.

Baby Darcie with Summer and her partner Hayden

Baby Darcie with Summer and her partner Hayden

"I haven’t been offered my vaccine as of yet, but when I do I’ll 100 per cent be having it," Summer added.

"This last year for us all has been up and down, it’s been hard on my mental health but I’ve gotten through.

"Let’s hope this year is better."

Melanie Darlington created Facebook group ‘Babies born in lockdown’.

Melanie, of Rhyl, gave birth to daughter Sophie on March 31 2020.

She created the Facebook group about a month ago.

Melanie said: “When I found out at my 20 week scan I was having a girl, I was so happy. Having three boys, all I really wanted a girl and I was excited to go shopping. I was so excited to show her off to people and my family as she is the first granddaughter and niece, but then we went into full lockdown.

"I went to ASDA one day looking for baby milk but they had ran out of stock due to everyone panic buying.

"I suffer from sinusitis so I had a cough too and I remember an elderly lady turning round to me and saying 'I'd get rid of that cough before you give birth or they won't let you on the labour ward.'

"I really started to panic. I phoned Glan Clwyd Hospital and a lovely midwife put my mind at ease and said 'we will never turn you away'.

"I was in slow labour at my last midwife appointment. She broke my waters and my little girl was on her way. When it was time to go to the hospital, there was only the expecting mother allowed in. My poor husband had to sit in the corridor.

"It wasn't long before I was in a peaceful labour suite. It was lovely and so calm.

"The reality hit the next day as her grandparents and uncle called round all wearing face masks and gloves. They were standing in my drive whilst I showed them their first granddaughter / niece through the window. It was awful and as soon as they left, I cried.

"It wasn't how it was supposed to be or how I'd dreamt it to be."

Melanie said her husband has been her "rock".

"I feel lockdown is a troublesome time for everyone but even more so for a new parent," Melanie said.

"I have struggled myself. I had bad anxiety when my daughter was born a week into lockdown. I was so worried someone would be a carrier.

"My husband has children from a previous relationship and I just couldn't cope with the thought of them or anyone being here.

"My husband soon had to go back to work and I was alone with four kids. I couldn't go to see anyone or ask for help while I caught up on sleep.

North Wales Pioneer:
Melanie Darlington's baby Sophie


"I still feel alone now and my daughter is one at the end of the month."

Melanie does feel her daughter has missed out on things due to the pandemic.

"She doesn't know anyone from my family, she just gets so upset," Melanie said.

"We Facetime but it is not the same. There isn't any parent and baby groups running.

"My daughter's first birthday was going to be a party of family and friends but at this rate, it's just going to have to be a tea party with her brothers.

"I created the [Facebook] group in the hope of helping other parents not to feel how I do.

"I am not a professional but I am a mother of four so I believe I have some experience to offer new parents."

In December 2020, the Journal reported on the one parent visiting rule at Welsh hospitals and the impact it was having on parents. Nicola Jacovelli, of Rhyl, said the one parent rule ‘nearly broke her, her relationship and family.’

Nicola with baby Grace

Nicola with baby Grace

Nicola, who has partner Mark Coles, gave birth five weeks early to Grace Olivia Pippa Coles on June 1 2020. Grace spent two weeks in SCBU.

She said at the time: “I felt very alone in my pregnancy and would have anxiety attacks at every appointment that their wouldn’t be a heartbeat.”

The 29-year-old, who has son Oliver, already had to cope with grief after having a stillborn baby in 2019; George was delivered on June 18 2019 at 39 weeks.

Speaking to mark the one year anniversary of the first Covid lockdown, Nicola said: “This year has had its challenges and its been a difficult one but I have enjoyed elements of it. I have enjoyed spending time with my children and getting to see them grow.

"I’ve loved having so much one on one time with Grace and I have done lots of activities which shows because she has come on so much. When she was born early they said she could possible be a little behind developmentally but at nine months she’s very independent and nearly walking. I’ve had support from my mum and I’ve kept in contact with my friends but it can still be very isolating.

"I have found some groups on both Facebook and Instagram which have been fab for activities to do. I've even learnt you can make baby safe play dough Marshmallow, who knew?

"Just being able to have things to do helps and having the encouragement from other mums over social media has been a must for me, just to know you are not in it alone."

Asked what words she would use to sum up the past year, Nicola replied: "Bittersweet.

"I think over this past year I have been through every emotion possible.

"It's had highs and lows for us all but we will get through it because we are parents and that's what we do."