The vital role of grandmothers in the perinatal period: A personal journey of connection and care

My personal experience of pregnancy and motherhood during the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of the grandmother for me, in profound ways. Faced with the isolation of lockdowns and the uncertainties of first-time motherhood, my mother became an anchor, offering unwavering support, guidance, and care. Her presence not only lightened the physical and emotional load of becoming a mother1 but also demonstrated the timeless importance of intergenerational bonds in fostering resilience and wellbeing. This article reflects on the critical role grandmothers play during the perinatal period, drawing on both personal experiences and broader insights. It explores the practical, emotional, and cultural contributions of these significant others, emphasising how their involvement not only enriches the lives of parents and their grandchildren but also creates lasting connections that span generations.

This article was written for and published first in the AIMS journal: https://www.aims.org.uk/journal/item/grandmothers-connection-care?cu...

Reproduced with publisher permission.