LETTERS: Restrictions on birthing partners causing a stir

An anxious time for expectant mothers

The Anglo-Celt was copied in on this letter to Deputy Niamh Smyth (FF).

Madam,

I am 36 weeks pregnant and due to give birth next month at Cavan General Hospital. As it stands, due to COVID-19 restrictions, I am being told that my partner can not be with me during labour and can only join me when it is time for me to go to the delivery suite/labour ward. But, as far as I can ascertain, this is not the case in all maternity hospitals.

I am hoping that, with your help, our government can put in place a consistent and structured policy for all maternity wards nationally.

This would be a most positive outcome especially for expectant mothers and their partners at such an anxious time.

What is the difference in birthing partners being present for all of the labour versus being present for part of it? If they are allowed in at all, then why not for the entirety?

The early stages of labour is when an expectant mother needs their birthing partner the most. They can often be the hardest to endure due to having to reach ‘active labour’ before becoming eligible for certain types of pain relief such as an epidural. A partner’s presence provides comfort and support, as such, greatly reduces stress levels for both mum and unborn baby. Distress can result in many interventions including emergency C Sections. This could all be potentially avoided.

It is time to make positive changes and let the public see steps being taken to lift the restrictions to allow partners to play their part in the antenatal and postnatal experience and end the unnecessary suffering of new and expectant mums.

I fail to see why it is okay for me to have a meal out with friends and my partner can not be with me while I am in the early stages of labour.

Can you please let me know if there is anything else you can suggest I do to help make this happen?

Yours faithfully,

Vanessa Flood (via email)

The birth of a baby is a ‘major life event’

A chara,

I am writing to raise awareness in the hope that our government can review restrictions around the presence of expectant fathers or birthing partners in hospitals during labour.

Currently, in Cavan General Hospital, partners are permitted to enter the hospital in the late stages of labour and birth.

This is causing undue stress and anxiety on expectant mothers.

As announced in the most recent nuance of restrictions, Level 2 is where Cavan currently sits, which means that for major life events such as weddings and funerals, 50 people are allowed to attend.

It is unfathomable as to how ‘new life’ is not factored into the ease of restrictions. The birth of one’s baby is surely ‘a major life event’ and mothers are only asking for one other person, usually from their same unit, to be present with them during their entire labouring process.

In reality, no two situations are the same when it comes to pregnancy in terms of circumstances, complications, etc. For some people, they are first time parents, some have young children already at home, some women are high risk, some with previous or pending C Sections, some live closer to the hospital than others and the list goes on.

There are so many associated risk factors, all of which are now heightened and causing concern due to COVID-19 and the hospital policies and restrictions.

The one positive thing that our government has the power to do at this uncertain time, is give ease to mums and dads. Remove this barrier and allow women to be supported through labour and allow fathers to be a part of the experience.

A nationwide policy needs to be implemented to support parents at one of the most important and significant time in their lives. It goes without saying that parents will take every precaution asked of them in relation to hygiene, sanitisation, the wearing of PPE etc.

Is Mise le Meas,

Aaron Ó Gealagáin