I am really excited to be launching my first podcast this week!

The series features real stories from parents and carers who gave birth during lockdown, as well as discussing the science, psychology and experiences of the early years with professionals, academics and volunteers from the sector. I have interviewed a variety of individuals including the Review’s sponsoring Ministers - Jo Churchill MP and Penny Mordaunt MP. I have also chatted with Lord Blunkett, former Secretary of State for Education, who is a real advocate for the best start for life.

Many parents found having a baby in lockdown to be incredibly challenging, but some, including Mario and Amy Creatura, parents of now one year old twins, reveal how they received good virtual support- and they want this to remain in place alongside face-to-face services for all new parents.

Parents have also told me that better mental health support should be available for both Mums and Dads, reinforcing research from the Royal Foundation’s Centre for Early Childhood that revealed that only 10% of parents looked after their own mental health in pregnancy.

In the first episode, I speak to Mario and Amy, parents to new twins during lockdown.

The 1001 Critical Days podcast Guest List:

• Mario and Amy Creatura, new parents in lockdown

• Jo Churchill MP, Minister for Public Health

• Robin Balbernie, child psychotherapist

• Cristina Adone, Head of Family Policy at the Centre for Social Justice

• Penny Mordaunt MP, Paymaster General

• Vicky Sansom, parent

• Agnes Ageypong, Head of Engagement at Best Beginnings, and Yasmin Morgan, new parent in lockdown

• Imran Hussain, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Action for Children

• Lord David Blunkett

• Siobhan Baillie MP, new parent in lockdown and member of the Review’s Parliamentary Advisory Group

• Saqib Bhatti MP

• Judy Crompton, former midwife and Andrea Leadsom’s mother

Further guests will be announced in due course.

You can listen to the episode and subscribe to the podcast here.