Maternal fear, loss and hope in Melbourne's COVID-19 lockdown: Women-mothers performing lived maternity, using self-report in words and pictures, within the context of the CONNECT-from-HOME art therapy Zoom group.

This article examines the experiences of new mothers in Melbourne, Australia, who participated in the CONNECT-from-HOME group art therapy program during the COVID-19 lockdown from July to December 2020. CONNECT, originally a face-to-face intervention for postnatally distressed mothers and babies, was adapted for virtual delivery via Zoom, providing participants with art materials and a structured booklet to explore and express their motherhood journeys through creative exercises and group discussion. The program facilitated a shared redefinition of maternity amid pandemic-related fears, losses, and isolation, with most mothers reporting negative impacts such as anxiety, reduced support, and grief over disrupted motherhood expectations, though some noted benefits like increased partner involvement. Outcome measures, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, indicated reduced distress among participants, while qualitative feedback highlighted feelings of connection, affirmation, and enhanced understanding through artistic expression and peer support. The study underscores the therapeutic potential of virtual group art therapy in supporting maternal mental health during public health crises.