Birth and labour
Currently, birthing partners are only allowed to be present for the actual birth (and only if it is a straightforward one) and must then leave the hospital afterwards. I understand the need to protect new mothers, staff and other patients, however I wonder whether some measures could be put in place to increase emotional support for new mothers? Ideally, birthing partners could be tested for coronavirus antibodies on entering the hospital, and/or be provided with PPE in order to be able to be present with their partner during labour and after the birth.
Why the contribution is important
Labour, birth and the hours and days following birth are times when a woman most needs emotional and practical support from her birthing partner. Bonding between the father/partner and newborn baby through skin-to-skin contact in the early hours following birth has been reported in several studies to be essential for the development of early attachment between partner and child. Lifting some of the current visiting restrictions for the partner could greatly increase the wellbeing of new mothers, and potentially decrease the risk of loneliness following the birth and other factors contributing to postnatal depression.
by EdinburghResident on May 05, 2020 at 02:40PM
Posted by CocoTC12 May 05, 2020 at 18:31
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Posted by Bethan May 05, 2020 at 22:14
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Posted by Bethan May 05, 2020 at 22:17
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Posted by Pandamamma May 06, 2020 at 17:53
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Posted by lhoughstewart May 07, 2020 at 10:33
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