From the editor: 'Relax rules so mums are not left alone during their labour'

It isn't easy and the thought of the long, dark winter which lies ahead is pretty miserable.

Individuals and organisations are searching for the best ways forward, yet it is undoubtedly tougher on some than others.

Not being able to say your final goodbyes to loved ones will stay with us forever. There is no escaping that.

At the other end of the scale, not being able to say hello to new family members is heartbreaking.

You don't get those moments back and there are few things more precious than holding a newborn baby.

Becoming a mum isn't easy. I know we are surrounded by images that make it look a doddle and every woman feels under pressure to make it appear like they have it all in hand but that isn't reality.

It is impossible to make it through pregnancy without a bit of worry and having supportive people around is the most important thing for any mum.

Even when everything is low risk, having somebody to hold your hand during a scan makes all the difference.

I can't imagine being alone in labour. The midwives in this city are amazing but it is a long time since they could dedicate their care to just one woman at a time let alone get to know them by offering continuous care for nine months. I wish they could but those were different days which we show no sign of being clever enough to recreate.

That means new and expectant mums rely on family and friends more than ever which is why they are finding maternity regulations so tough.

We must all do what we can to stop the spread of this virus but some decisions create ripples that will last a lifetime.

Bonds are hard to repair once broken. Some are impossible to fix.

While we need immediate action for today, we must also think of the future repercussions of what we do now or the years ahead will be far harder than necessary.