Nottinghamshire: New chairs allow partners to sleep over after births

Fully-reclined chairs will allow partners and supporters to stay with new parents, the trust says

A maternity unit at a Nottinghamshire hospital has started allowing partners to stay overnight to offer support in the crucial hours following births.

Every room and bay on the postnatal ward at King's Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield now has a chair that reclines into a bed.

The trust that runs the hospital invested in 47 recliners following feedback on how to improve services.

It means partners or other supporters can now stay with new parents.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said the chairs were provided thanks to funding from Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity, and the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Local Maternity Neonatal System.

Partners staying overnight can be coached to offer skin-to-skin contact with their babies and to build bonds, while breastfeeding support advice will also be offered.

The family said the new chairs made a big difference to Cove's first few days

New mum Holly and her husband Matthew were delighted he was able to stay overnight following the birth of their son Cove.

Matthew, of Clipstone, Nottinghamshire, said: "This has made our lives a lot easier.

"I can't imagine what it would have been like having to go home at night.

"The chair is really comfortable. I can bond with Cove, change nappies and do simple things to support Holly, like refill her water bottle.

"Without the extra support of having me here, I don't think Holly would still be breastfeeding, which is something she really wanted to do."

Consultant midwife Gemma Boyd said: "We recognise that having a partner or trusted supporter to stay can help with family bonding and reduce anxiety and stress.

"This decision is about supporting personalised choice - there is no expectation for someone to have a partner or supporter to stay overnight."

Staff at the maternity unit at King's Mill