I wrote a contribution to this fabulous new book - Motherhood in Lockdown - a collection of 150 stories by mothers about our experiences of pregnancy, birth and postpartum during the COVID pandemic. As a copywriter it’s rare for me to be credited as author of my words, so seeing my name in print - for this story especially - makes me immensely proud (and quite tearful).

This collection is an important record of a unique period in our history - it’s a hard read, but a vital one. I gave birth to my twins during the first week of lockdown in 2020 when the world (and our hospital) was in chaos and we were all terrified. I’m incredibly lucky that my story has the happiest ending, but my heart is with the families that weren’t as lucky as mine. None of us really understands yet the long-term harm caused by the UK government’s atrocious handling of maternity services, and their total disregard for women, parents, babies, children… let’s face it, every one of us at every stage of life.

Motherhood in Lockdown was a labour of love for the creator, Daisie Lane (Posh Dog Press) and all the contributors - I’d really appreciate seeing it shared as widely as possible, hence breaking my LinkedIn hiatus! If you’re in a position to buy a copy it’s available from all good bookshops and here’s a link to Blackwells.

Thank you to Daisie, my fellow contributors, and everyone who reads our stories. And - of course - thank you to the wonderful people who cared for me and my beautiful babes during the most vulnerable moments of my life, when they were undoubtedly vulnerable and scared too. Our collective capacity for good will always be amazing to me.