In 2020, when Melbourne's lockdown measures were abruptly implemented, Alissa Bournes had just become a single mother by choice. The Victorian mother suddenly faced a situation of isolation and helplessness, needing to care for a newborn alone without any support network.
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03-10, 2025Bournes is one of countless women who became mothers during the pandemic, raising their children under some of the strictest lockdown measures in the world. As the World Health Organization (WHO) officially marks the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 outbreak, Bournes has had plenty of time to reflect on the experience. She stated that while the pandemic was difficult, it also allowed her to have precious time with her daughter that she might never have experienced otherwise.
"I actually think the pandemic was one of the best things that ever happened to me," Bournes said. "I was forced to really slow down, rest, recover, and just enjoy this tiny little life. There was no pressure to clean the house, no pressure to leave or see anyone, or do anything." Although Bournes did not receive support from her mother, who lives in New Zealand, or any other immediate family, an online community of other single parents warmed her heart. She does not regret being pregnant during this turbulent time. "I just wanted a baby," she added.
However, for another Melbourne mom, Emilia Rossi, life during lockdown felt like a prison sentence. She needed to care for a toddler and newborn daughter, Olympia, which left her feeling "desperate." "It wasn't just loneliness, it was an overwhelming sense of despair," Rossi said. "I had a strong support system with my husband, my family, and a fantastic doctor, but even then, I experienced mild postpartum depression while juggling the needs of a newborn and a toddler."
Rossi said that, fortunately, her husband provided her with great support during her early bout of postpartum depression. But motherhood, coupled with the shock of a global crisis, formed a painful hormonal cocktail. "That was the worst I've ever felt. I was crying for no reason," she said. "I was physically present, but mentally broken. I felt like a zombie."
Meanwhile, Bournes also experienced the downside of limited pediatric support. Due to Melbourne's strict restrictions, her daughter Alexandra's hip dysplasia was diagnosed late. "She was in a brace and then a cast for a really long time," Bournes said. "If she had been diagnosed earlier, it might not have progressed to the point of needing a cast."
Thankfully, five years have passed, and Rossi says her children—and herself—are doing well. "They are happy, healthy, and thriving," she said happily. Samantha Page, CEO of the Australian Children's Education & Care Authority, said that the impact on early childhood development in the early stages of the pandemic should not be underestimated. Page said that while it was certainly beneficial for family relationships, it deprived many children of important social experiences. "We know how beneficial high-quality early learning experiences are, especially those opportunities to play with other children and engage in rich learning experiences," Page said. "This may make it more difficult for children to feel confident and happy in an environment with early childhood educators."
Page said that children unconsciously absorb their parents' emotions. The trauma caused by the pandemic and lockdowns may also be felt by children. "Children can sense anxiety, but they don't know what it is," she said. As for parents, Page also understands why Rossi and Bournes had such different experiences. "The pandemic affected different people in different ways," Page said. "Some parents may have sailed through and built a wonderful close relationship with their child, but other parents may have found the disconnection from social support very difficult."
