Mother and baby groups warn they are at risk of collapse following new rules which state just five adults can be together in a room at once.

(Source:Edinburgh News)

However, leaders of mother and baby support groups argue that these restrictions – imposed to halt the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic – will make sessions financially unsustainable. They have also warned that the lack of support for new mothers could lead to an increase in post-natal depression and stunt child development as tots no longer get to spend time with other youngsters.

Kathryn Lawrence of the Daisy Foundation Edinburgh teaches pre and post-natal classes for new and expectant mothers and parents offering education, community and support. She also set up the Kin Collective Family Wellbeing CIC social enterprise to support new mums online over lockdown.