Bethany P’s story

I was a mum of 2 (Florence 6 and Henry 3) when lockdown 1.0 hit. I was also secretly pregnant with my third but hadn’t yet told my manager. I work as a physiotherapist, treating patients with neurological conditions in their own homes, and the advice for NHS staff at that time was that no pregnant women should have face to face contact with patients. So I called my manager, gave her my news and we devised a plan that I would work from home, supporting the team by fielding all the clinical queries via telephone, contacting current patients and those newly referred and making sure we were finding those urgent patients who just could not afford a delay in their care. Little did I know I would not physically return to work – either the hospital office base or patients’ homes – at all. 
 
It was a weird pregnancy with scans attended by myself (thankfully no complications) and much less professional input than normal. But the birth went smoothly, my husband was with me throughout and Rose was born safe and well. 
 
Maternity leave is a long way from the experience I had with the big two. It’s filled with home learning, baking and daily walks rather than school runs, play dates and cups of tea with friends. Some days are tough but I am blessed with a wonderful husband and the most amazing children. 
 
I hope by the time I return to work in September things will be slightly more normal. I look forward to connecting with my patients and helping them achieve their goals. 
 
Perhaps this is longer than you hoped for but it’s be cathartic to tell some of my story. Thank you.

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