Focus: How to stop the spread of coronavirus. Video / AP / Mark Mitchell
A Wellington mum who recently gave birth to her son has shared a heartbreaking photo of him meeting his grandma for the first time through a glass window.
Nalini Bremner told the Herald she posted the photo of her husband, Tim Bremner, showing their newborn, Kahlo, to Tim's mother, Joany Dekkers, because she wanted to make people aware of the experience new parents are going through during the lockdown.
With Kahlo 11 days old, Dekkers, who lives five minutes away, decided it was time to meet her grandson, even if it was through a window.
Nalini Bremner said when Dekkers arrived she was in tears while saying hello to her grandson through the window.
"She didn't even come in and give him a hug or anything. We are all just doing what we can to help get rid of this virus," Bremner explained.
The new mum decided to capture the heartbreaking moment because she wanted to record the memory of their first meeting.
A Wellington mum who recently gave birth to her son has shared a heartbreaking photo of him meeting his grandma for the first time through a glass window. Photo / Nalini Bremner
"I'm sure a lot of mums are experiencing the same thing as it's really hard to deal with.
"Even my husband is quite emotional because obviously at this time new dads need their mums' help as well. It's taking on a toll on him too, which a lot of people forget.
"His heart is pretty broken at the moment as well."
Nalini explained that she shared the photo to show people how hard it is to have a newborn and not being able to have the support they need because of the lockdown.
She said after sharing the photo on a local Facebook group called the Mum's Collective, she has received nice comments that have helped her through the stressful time.
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"It's astonishing to see how many other mums are actually going through the same thing as I am," she said.
"It's causing a lot of anxiety and depression. I just want society to be aware of that and to check on all the new mums out there that are being isolated and don't get to see their own mums.
"When you have a baby, you want your parents to be a part of that. It's such a huge part of the puzzle that's missing."
WHERE TO GET HELP:
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
