We aim to provide a service that:
- Provides flexible, individualised services that are designed to fit around women and their baby’s journey through pregnancy and motherhood, recognising the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
- Provides midwifery and obstetric care that is based on providing good clinical and psychological outcomes for the woman and baby, whilst putting equal emphasis on helping parents prepare for parenthood.
Overnight stays reintroduced for birth partners at Grimsby hospital
We’ve re-introduced overnight stays for birth partners at Grimsby hospital.
On Honeysuckle, Blueberry, Jasmine and Holly wards only, we welcome overnight stays for birth partners in the following circumstances:
- When established labour has begun (regular contractions and a cervix dilated to 4cm)
- During induction where the midwife or doctor are able to break the waters
- Following delivery until discharge.
Nicky Foster, Associate Chief Nurse – Midwifery, said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer overnight stays again, following a pause due to the pandemic. These overnight stays are only available at Grimsby, as unfortunately we do not have the same facilities at Scunthorpe. We hope this comes as good news to those who are due to give birth soon!”
If you’re due to give birth at one of our hospitals, or you’ll be supporting someone who is, there are some key things to remember:
- Birth partners are unable to stay overnight during the antenatal period, unless there are exceptional circumstances, and this will need to be agreed with the ward
- If a birth partner is planning to stay overnight, we recommend bringing something no larger than a yoga mat to sleep on, that can be folded away during the day. This must be stored away in the morning and/or during labour to avoid it becoming a hazard
- There is food and drink available for birth partners in our restaurants, café’s and vending machines, but this will not be provided on the ward so please consider bringing your own drinks and snacks
- All birth partners are required to be fully clothed at all times (day/sleepwear) and shoes are required in the corridors for your own safety
- We ask for birth partners not to continually leave the ward overnight. If we are busy, we cannot guarantee we’ll be available to open the locked doors. The doorbell does disturb other patients, so we please ask that you are mindful and respectful to others.
Nicky added: “Once you have chosen a birth partner, this person will be supporting you through the entire birth, so it’s important they will be available for you. Unfortunately, you cannot switch between birthing partners once you’ve gone into labour. Other visitors will have to join you during visiting hours following your delivery.”
