Labour & visiting rights for both parents
The Issue
The impact this pandemic has had on new parents is disgraceful and cannot continue. The rules and regulations are inconsistent and illogical. Fathers are being allowed in to labour wards during established labour and for an hour a day to visit but there is no justification as to why. They would be bringing COVID to the ward regardless of whether it’s for an hour or 6. Fathers are missing out on crucial bonding time and mothers are being made to feel anxious throughout their whole birthing experience and pregnancy (as no partners are allowed at scans). Mothers are struggling for their hospital stays, and when they miscarriage, as they’re not allowed the support of their partners. The mental health of both mothers and fathers is being impacted severely and this is being disregarded; it has been clear to see it is crucial that our mental well beings are looked after; especially during labour when oxytocin is crucial for a successful birth.
I have recently given birth and had a very traumatic labour. I had a 6 day hospital stay and felt alone, vulnerable and unsupported. Unfortunately the midwives were busy and partners weren’t allowed in except for an hour a day, so I had to stay strong for myself and my daughter (both had infections & I’d had an emergency section) but it wasn’t easy and wasn’t necessary as Mothers normally have their partners there to help. I have only now felt back to myself again but that’s thanks to my loving family.
I’m calling for the Government to put new parent’s well beings at the fore front and ensuring maternity units across the country are consistent in their rules and prioritising the needs of mothers & fathers during this time. There should be regulations put in place to make it safe for fathers to be there. I truly believe the risk to the mental well beings of parents is currently more of a risk than COVID to them. All parents I’ve encountered have said they’d isolate until labour to ensure they’re clear, would take tests the day before to check their clear, wear full PPE to ensure the safety of the staff HOWEVER if they’re allowed in once it’ll make no difference if they were allowed for longer...
TIME TO STAND UP FOR OUR RIGHTS AND MAKE A CHANGE!
The Issue
The impact this pandemic has had on new parents is disgraceful and cannot continue. The rules and regulations are inconsistent and illogical. Fathers are being allowed in to labour wards during established labour and for an hour a day to visit but there is no justification as to why. They would be bringing COVID to the ward regardless of whether it’s for an hour or 6. Fathers are missing out on crucial bonding time and mothers are being made to feel anxious throughout their whole birthing experience and pregnancy (as no partners are allowed at scans). Mothers are struggling for their hospital stays, and when they miscarriage, as they’re not allowed the support of their partners. The mental health of both mothers and fathers is being impacted severely and this is being disregarded; it has been clear to see it is crucial that our mental well beings are looked after; especially during labour when oxytocin is crucial for a successful birth.
I have recently given birth and had a very traumatic labour. I had a 6 day hospital stay and felt alone, vulnerable and unsupported. Unfortunately the midwives were busy and partners weren’t allowed in except for an hour a day, so I had to stay strong for myself and my daughter (both had infections & I’d had an emergency section) but it wasn’t easy and wasn’t necessary as Mothers normally have their partners there to help. I have only now felt back to myself again but that’s thanks to my loving family.
I’m calling for the Government to put new parent’s well beings at the fore front and ensuring maternity units across the country are consistent in their rules and prioritising the needs of mothers & fathers during this time. There should be regulations put in place to make it safe for fathers to be there. I truly believe the risk to the mental well beings of parents is currently more of a risk than COVID to them. All parents I’ve encountered have said they’d isolate until labour to ensure they’re clear, would take tests the day before to check their clear, wear full PPE to ensure the safety of the staff HOWEVER if they’re allowed in once it’ll make no difference if they were allowed for longer...
TIME TO STAND UP FOR OUR RIGHTS AND MAKE A CHANGE!
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Petition created on 17 November 2020