Scheme to allow new dads to stay after birth at RUH
Fathers will soon be able to stay overnight with their partners and newborn babies at the Royal United Hospital and other maternity units in the Bath area.
Health chiefs have launched the Partners Staying Overnight pilot, to allow fathers to support their partners, as well as bonding with their new babies.
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Clinical midwife manager for Wiltshire Community Health Services Amanda Gell said: “The pilot scheme responds to the needs of women who give birth either at night or the early hours of the morning and want the support of their partners in the crucial period after labour.
“It also provides an extended opportunity for partners to bond with their babies, as well as allowing them to care for their loved ones.”
A family fun day has been organised by the National Childbirth Trust to mark the launch this weekend.
Tea Party in the Park is designed to celebrate dads, and will take place on Saturday at Royal Victoria Park, from 2pm until 5pm.
A drop in clinic will be set up in connection with WCHS, which runs local maternity services, at the event.
Parents can speak to breastfeeding counsellors, antenatal teachers, midwifes and health visitors.
Antenatal tutor Noreen Hart said: “During the last 12 months campaigners have been working closely with Wiltshire Community Health Services’ midwifery team and the suggestion of partners having the opportunity of staying the first night after birth was welcomed by all involved in maternity services.
“We are delighted to announce the launch of this pilot, only one of a handful in the country, at our family fun day in the park.”
Families will be able to enjoy live music from Bath band Fattyboombastic, and singer Gabby Aplin, as well as face painting, and craft stalls.
Celebrity dads, including casualty star Tristan Gemmill, will be at the event.
All money raised will support local families and train breastfeeding counsellors and antenatal teachers.
For more information, call the NCT on 0300 330 0770 or visit www.nct.org.uk
6 Comments
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by Tom Trosborg, Bath
Tuesday, June 15 2010, 5:56PM
“It seems to me to be a great idea to allow dads to spend that special time with their young family.
The parking issue is a separate and really rather unimportant matter.”
by Alan B, Weston, Bath
Tuesday, June 15 2010, 3:30PM
“Alternatively why not park in the residential areas nearby .
Many of the hospital employees do this 5 days a week and it's free !!!!!
You have to get there early though to find a space .
Weston Resident living in a residential unofficial hospital car park.”
by CT, bath
Tuesday, June 15 2010, 1:15PM
“Start free parking for visitors..that will be welcoming for everyone”
by Daniel Powell, Bath
Monday, June 14 2010, 9:38PM
“The launch of this pilot is great news for parents to be at a time where more fathers are attending antenatal classes and are choosing to play an active role in supporting their partner through the birth process. The decision to allow dads to stay gives recognition to the importance of sustaining a stable nurturing environment for the labouring mother and also honours the bond between parents which is so often strengthened by the sharing of the birth experience. Having Fathers and birth partners present could also help to eleviate some the stress of the workload from the midwifes and nursing staff who from my personal experience, sometimes struggle to meet the needs of their patients during busy times.”
by noreen Hart, bath
Monday, June 14 2010, 6:15PM
“JM if prospective parents go to the main reception at RUH you can get a 5 day parking ticket for £10 for stays at the PAW.”