A GOUROCK mum who gave birth just before lockdown took hold has urged new mums to speak out if they need help.

Ashley Beckley, 24, welcomed her second daughter, Nyah, into the world at the end of February, around three weeks before coronavirus restrictions were introduced.

Nyah was born two weeks early and all went smoothly.

Ashley went through two failed epidurals when she gave birth to her first daughter, Piper, two years ago - and got through Nyah's delivery using only gas and air.

The mum-of-two, from Cloch Road, says she has found it extremely difficult not seeing her family but says that her health visitor and the breastfeeding support team have helped ease her feelings of isolation.

Ashley said: "I definitely feel more isolated than I did when I had Piper - every day I was at my mum's or out doing something.

"From that to doing absolutely nothing is very strange.

"The first few weeks I didn't see anyone but family helped by dropping off essential shopping.

"It was so hard to get nappies, milk and bread because of all the panic buying.

"My health visitor Laura O'Donnell is brilliant and I've also had a lot of support from Catriona MacLean and Pauline McBride in the breastfeeding team.

"I'm so grateful that I was able to pick up the phone to Laura anytime, everyone has been so helpful."

Ashley has been making sure that she's still taking Nyah to her essential check-ups at Lochview Medical Practice.

Even though the appointments are a bit different, Ashley says she and Nyah are getting used to them.

Ashley added: "It's so important to still go.

"It feels weird as you have to stand well back and the staff can't handle the wee one as they normally would.

"Staff have PPE on and they're taking all the necessary precautions.

"A lot of support is still available but I don't think a lot of people know that there are still people there for you to talk to.

"If you need anything, you can phone your health visitor.

"Don't be afraid to pick up the phone if there's anything you're worried about."

When the restrictions came into force, Ashley's husband Martin - who is a manager at Cloch Leisure and Spa - was furloughed.

The couple decided to look upon the change as a chance to have some good quality family time.

Ashley added: "We've had much more time together this time around which has been lovely.

"Martin was off for two weeks paternity then furloughed so he's been here from the start and it has been great to have an extra set of hands.

"It's been really hard not being able to have that support network from family, especially with a newborn, but Martin being here has really helped.

"If I was in the house by myself I would have gone crazy.

"As soon as this is over, I'll take the wee ones to see my mum and my grandparents and give them all a big hug."