Maternity Visiting Guidance

(UPDATED OCTOBER 2024)

Visiting hours were restricted during Covid and although the need to wear masks is no longer present, Covid and other respiratory infections are still a risk to mother’s and babies, so visiting remains restricted within Maternity.

We welcome a Birth Partner to support you throughout the Maternity Pathway and to visit/stay in the ward areas in both the antenatal and postnatal period.

Attending Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) (Tambootie Ward): If you need to attend MAU for an assessment, you are welcome to attend with one support person.  

Labour: When you are in established labour, two birthing partners are able to attend the Delivery Suite or The Birth Centre with you and remain with you until you are transferred to the postnatal ward (Aspen or Cedar Ward).

Antenatal Admission / Induction of Labour / After the Birth of your Baby (or Babies)

On the Antenatal and Postnatal wards (Aspen and Cedar), we recognise the value of having one birth partner or other support person with you throughout your stay, day and night. This person is here to assist you to meet your personal needs and the needs of your baby (or babies).

Although only one support person can be with you at any time on Aspen or Cedar ward, we recognise they may also need rest and have other commitments. If this is the case your second nominated birth partner can take their place as your support for a period. We ask that your nominated partners swap in and out only once in a 12 hour period. Please plan this with your midwife on the ward so that we can maintain the security of the area.

Siblings from the same family unit are welcome to visit on Aspen and Cedar Ward between the hours of 9am and 9pm accompanied by the nominated birth partner provided they are free from obvious infection and not left on their own.