Birth partners in Northampton allowed overnight - "fully clothed'
Birth partners are to be allowed on an NHS hospital's maternity wards overnight.The move is being implemented at Northampton General Hospital following a survey of service users.A code of conduct has been introduced which requires partners to "remain fully clothed at all times" and not to sleep in any of the beds.The move has been welcomed by parents on social media.
Northampton Maternity Services said: "We're delighted to share that, effective immediately, your birth partner is welcome to remain on the maternity wards with you, overnight. "Thank you to everyone who took part in our survey back in November. We read every single response and deeply appreciate all the comments and views that were shared. "The overwhelming support for allowing birth partners to stay overnight made it clear, we hear you."The previous arrangements meant many birthing partners could not stay with expectant mothers after 19:30.The service said adaptations had been made to make it possible for birthing partners to stay overnight.
The code of conduct requires partners to:Remain fully clothed and keep out of all the bedsNot leave or wander around the ward between 22:00 and 08:00Keep electronic devices on silent and use headphonesTake phone calls in the family roomPosting on social media, one mother said: "This will make such a difference to exhausted, sore, scared and emotional mums (like I was all those years ago) as saying goodbye just when you need your partner the most was awful."Another commented: "I spent 6 days in total [in the Maternity department) and my husband couldn't stay once... my mental health declined big time and I was close to discharging myself, prior to the birth of my son due to not having my person close by."A third said she had "just balled my eyes out - due next month and have a fear of hospitals, knowing that my boyfriend can stay with me has made me feel so much more relaxed about the whole thing."
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