Dads called in to help on overstretched maternity wards
Some units are so understaffed that fathers are being drafted in to stay overnight and carry out duties normally performed by maternity staff, such as bathing. Whilst this is bound to increase the initial bond between dad and baby, it has left mothers anxious that they aren’t being equipped with the knowledge they need before they leave the hospital.
The survey, by the National Childbirth Trust, uncovered widespread reports of staff being rude, patronising and unfriendly to the mothers under their care. Some mothers were scared to go to the lavatory or have a shower because they didn’t think anyone would be able to look after their baby.
Bath Hospital in Wiltshire has just announced the success of its Partners Staying Overnight project, which is now a permanent fixture on their wards. The scheme allows dads or another family member to sleep over with the new mum after she gives birth, increasing the partner’s involvement in the early hours of the child’s life. There are no plans at this stage to take the project nationwide, but it seems stretched midwives could use the extra help.
Latest figures show that there is a shortage of almost 3,000 midwives in Britain, and overstretched maternity units are struggling to keep pace with rising birth rates. More than 60 per cent of maternity units were forced to close their doors to women in labour at some point last year because they were full.
A Department of Health spokesman said: ‘The Government is working with the Royal College of Midwives, the NHS and other partners to design new provider networks to improve the quality of maternity care and extend the choices available to every pregnant woman.”
How did you find your stay on the maternity ward? We’re the midwives friendly or unhelpful? Do you feel you got the support you needed? We’d love to hear your stories!
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Mothercare
ELC
