Birth partners allowed overnight, if 'fully clothed'

Birthing partners will have to follow a code of conduct if they stay overnight

Birthing partners are now allowed to stay overnight on maternity wards at two NHS hospitals.

The move has been implemented at Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals 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."

A spokesperson thanked people for taking part in a survey in November and said there was "overwhelming support" for the decision.

There were some conditions outlined on the NHS trust's website to "ensure partners are being mindful and respectful," they added.

The previous arrangements, introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, meant many birthing partners could not stay with expectant mothers after 20:00.

Kettering General had allowed birthing partners to stay overnight before the pandemic.

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: "I spent six 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."

Another commented: "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."

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".