Bognor Regis parents among first in West Sussex to register baby – more than three months after birth

Births are usually registered within 42 days of a baby being born.

But West Sussex County Council was forced to close its registration service in March due to the pandemic, leaving an estimated backlog of more than 2,000 births.

Lacie Pope was born on April 4 but it was not until last week that her parents Jade Pope, 29, and Karl Pope, 30, could officially register her at the office in Willow Park, Chichester,

They were pleased when her birth certificate finally arrived yesterday.

Lacie is Jade’s fourth child – her other children are aged 12, 7 and 4 – but she said lockdown made the childbirth experience ‘very different’ to what she had gone through before.

When she went into labour in hospital, she said: “It was quite scary. My partner wasn’t allowed in until I was a certain amount dilated. I was on my own for a while.”

Bringing Lacie home, it would be weeks until the family could have any visitors.

Jade said of her mother and grandmother: “They were dying to meet her. I have three boys and she’s the first girl.”

As restrictions have eased, Lacie has been introduced to more family members, but Jade said they were still sticking to a small group of visitors for now.

Duncan Crow, West sussex County Council cabinet member for fire and rescue and communities, said registrars were already ‘very busy’ tackling the backlog of registrations.

He said: “We have really appreciated the patience of residents who have wanted to register a birth during the current pandemic.

“Unfortunately, due to social distancing restrictions and legislation that only allows for individuals to register a birth face to face, the registration service has had to follow the national guidance accordingly.

“Even though there are still some restrictions in place for the time being, the registrars are looking forward to sharing in your joy at registering the birth of your new baby.

“But please be patient as they are already very busy tackling the backlog of registrations that have built up during lockdown, so they would appreciate parents’ understanding at this busy time.”

Find out more about how to register a birth in West Sussex here.