Some birth partners have very different questions to our women and we wanted to answer those for you. In addition to all the information available on this site for both of you, we have worked with the MSLC to find out what Birth Partners would like to know from us.  

 

Below are some questions Birth Partners would like to know:

Q.  Is it true the midwife will help clear up after a home birth?

A.  Yes and the midwife will stay until they are happy with both mum & baby.

 

Q.  Can I stay on the ward with my partner if baby is born in the middle of the night?

A.  No this is not possible to stay on the postnatal ward, although you will be able to stay with your partner on the labour ward up until she is transferred onto the post natal ward.

 

Q.  If my partner has an unplanned caesarean can I go in with her?

A.  Yes. The only time you will be asked to leave the theatre is if your partner needs a general anaesthetic.

 

Q.  Can I film / take photos in theatre?

A.  Yes. Please notify your midwife if this is something you would like to do.

 

Q.  What will happen to my partner if I pass out / can’t cope?

A.  There will always be a midwife looking after your partner if you need to take a break.

 

Q.  Which is the most effective pain relief in child birth?

A.  Every woman will experience pain differently with some women having no pain relief, other choices could range from using a tens machine to birthing in water, using gas and air to having an epidural. Please discuss this further with your Midwife.

 

Q.  What do I need to do if we don’t like the midwife supporting us?

A.  There will always be a labour ward co-ordinator on every shift that you could talk to if you felt the need to change your midwife.

 

Q.  Do I have to park the car first before bringing in my partner?

A.  Yes if you have time, if the labour has progressed and you need to get onto the labour ward quickly then you can park outside A&E (but not in the ambulance bays) and once your partner has been assessed you can go and move your car.

 

Q.  Can we bring in our own food?

A.  Yes. You can bring in food from home or from a shop, alternatively there are shops located at both hospitals to buy food.

 

Q.  Where can I get food & snacks duringour stay – day and night?

A.  The canteens at both sites are open until 7pm where hot and cold food can be purchased. There are also shops open For papers and cold snacks and vending machines available out of hours.

 

Q.  Can I get in the birthing pool?

A.  Yes, but we would advise you to wear underwear.

 

Q.  What extra care will my partner need after a caesarean birth?

A.  Your partner will need help with carrying things and is advised not to drive for up to six weeks. You will need help with any heavy lifting or chores.

 

Q.  Who is going to visit us when we get home?

A.  You will get a first day visit by the community midwife once you are discharged from hospital.