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Birth partners allowed overnight, if 'fully clothed'

Martin Heath
BBC News, Northamptonshire
Getty Images File photo of baby wearing a nappy and apparently smiling while asleep in the hands of a mother who has dark hair and is wearing a pink top. There is a door in the background.Getty Images
Birthing partners will have to follow a code of conduct if they stay overnight

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.

James Grant/BBC Stone-fronted building with large windows and door on the ground floor and "THE BARRATT MATERNITY HOME" in dark blue lettering on the first floor.James Grant/BBC
Users of the Northampton General Hospital maternity service have welcomed the move on social media

The code of conduct requires partners to:

  • Remain fully clothed and keep out of all the beds
  • Not leave or wander around the ward between 22:00 and 08:00
  • Keep electronic devices on silent and use headphones
  • Take phone calls in the family room

Posting 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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