What COVID-19 was like for parents with a newborn during lockdown

Jul 14, 2021

A nurse hands a new born baby to its mother while both wearing face masks.

COVID-19 meant big changes for new parents. Image: REUTERS/Hannah McKay/Pool/File

Alison Paradis

Professor of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

Emily-Helen Todorov

PhD Candidate in Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

Natacha Godbout

Full Professor of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

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Fathers’ parental and relational outcomes by year.

Fathers reported less avoidant attachment and parental stress while mothers displayed better life satisfaction. Image: Project Couples Parentaux: Project on Parental Couples.

Mothers’ parental and relational outcomes by year. (* indicates statistically significant results).

Mothers’ perception in their ability to be effective and reliable caregiver is the only thing that seemed to decline during lockdown Image: Project Couples Parentaux: Project on Parental Couples.

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Parents’ answered questions about their relationship to their children, spouse, etc. Image: Project Couples Parentaux: Project on Parental Couples.

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