Birth partners not allowed at C-sections

Maternity Services recognised this is ‘extremely disappointing, upsetting and even distressing’ news for some of the expectant parents that this affects and apologised for this.

The service said that this will be the case ‘for the time being’.

‘We appreciate how important it is to have a birth partner with you when giving birth,’ a spokesman said.

‘Hopefully this won’t be for long, but we know that is no consolation to those affected. The maternity and midwifery team is committed to making your birthing experience as comfortable and safe as possible.’

Expectant mothers are also asked to attend scan appointments at the PEH unaccompanied.

Recognising that this would likely be an experience that women would like to share, the decision has been made to minimise close human contact – especially within the hospital.

‘We are very sorry for anyone this affects and hope it won’t be for long,’ said the spokesman.

All antenatal appointments are currently being held at Lukis House in the Grange and not at the PEH.

The community midwifery team is currently contacting expectant mothers to rearrange their appointments.

Anyone still waiting to hear from the team should ‘sit tight’.

Clinic times will extend into some evenings and over the weekends in order to accommodate everyone.

Health & Social Care is currently asking people to attend these appointments alone, without partners.

The community midwifery team can be contacted on 707682 with any queries.

• In November it was announced that from 1 January, policy would be changed in line with NHS hospitals so only one guest is able to be present at a baby scan appointment to ensure the person carrying out the scan can concentrate.

But while the strict restrictions are in place, expectant mothers are asked to go alone.