MERAS welcomes funding for three-day post-natal stay for maternity services

SECTOR UPDATE - MERAS

MERAS welcomes the funding announced in the budget for three-day post-natal stay. This will support midwives to enable mothers who want to stay longer in a maternity unit with their baby to do so. 

There are over 50 primary maternity units across the country. In these units post-birth care and support can be provided in a more relaxed setting. Being able to stay for three days will also support mothers in the busier secondary and tertiary maternity services.

Being able to stay in a maternity service provides access to 24-hour care, support to recover from the birth and establish breastfeeding, as well as building confidence in the transition to parenthood.

MERAS recognises that not all women and whānau will want to make use of the extended stay, but it is important this option is available to all mothers and whānau who opt for this service.

In some localities this new entitlement could put pressure on secondary and tertiary maternity services where there are not local primary maternity units available to those communities. Funding must be made available to support the build of additional primary maternity facilities where these are needed. All whānau in Aotearoa should have access to a primary birthing unit close to their home.

MERAS is the union representing over 95% of midwives employed in the maternity services across the country, this includes Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and other maternity facility providers.

Source: MERAS media release

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