Monday 16th February 2009 News Index

The Government has launched its 'Child Health Strategy' in the last week and it maps out how it will 'improve fathers' involvement' in antenatal and maternity services. One of the most notable initiatives is the encouragement of fathers to stay overnight after the birth of their child. Whilst seen as a nice thing to offer, many critics argue that this measure is costly and should not be an NHS priority at a time when it is already under significant financial pressure and has issues such as MSRA and mixed sex wards to address.

The strategy says there is 'strong evidence' that early involvement of fathers has significant benefits for children's social, emotional and intellectual development and wellbeing. 'But, despite the immensely important role fathers play, it is too often overlooked, particularly during pregnancy and the early years.'

The NCT has welcomed the initiative saying: 'For fathers of new-born babies leaving their partner and baby in hospital within hours of the birth can be devastating.'

What are your views on fathers overnighting? Should it be an NHS priority?

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Your Comments
I had very little time with my wife and baby after he was born; I wasn't even allowed to accompany them to the ward to get them settled. I would have loved to be there for them both and would have paid for the privilege to ease the financial burden on the NHS. On the other side of the coin my wife said that it was good for them to bond over night. I got a good night sleep so was able to take over the next couple of nights whilst she rested, so I did get my bonding time with him. If you way up the evidence either way there will always an argument for both cases. But I do think that we had it easier than most.	mark 30/07/2009
i personally think they should be for the simple reason when i had my little boy i was so scared and i had to stay in for three days and every time i saw him leave the hospital i cryed it made me really depressed we made my little boy together and my partner wanted to stand by my side every step of the way x	mel89 14/06/2009
I think fathers should stay overnight after the birth.Fathers are there the whole way through the nine months and then when you have your baby within the hour there sent home.When i went into labour they told me my husband would have too go home as men were not aloud on tne postnatal ward during the nite.I was shocked that i would have to sit on my own having contractions just because of their rules i refused to let him go good job 20 mins later i was rushed 2 the labour ward.It would have been nice if he could have stayed with us after the birth.	littleangels 14/04/2009
I love staying in for 1 night only, just baby and me. No dads, am i just being selfish?	dedwards 28/03/2009
Fathers overnighting after the birth of a child? So are the NHS moving away from shipping Mum's home as soon as they can? Baby three was sent home SAME DAY (5pm after being born at 10.30 a.m)! As a Dad I reckon that this a good idea, but is it workable that is the question!	ecopjh 08/03/2009

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