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Photo: 123RF\n<\/p>\n
In the future, people will be offered a minimum of a three-day hospital stay after giving birth, despite warnings about lack of capacity.<\/p>\n
In a joint announcement on Saturday, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said the Three-Day Postnatal Stay Amendment Bill would now progress through Parliament as part of the government’s legislative programme.<\/p>\n
Costello, the minister responsible for the Bill, described it as “a practical and compassionate step”.<\/p>\n
“We recognise that childbirth is different for every woman, but no one should be made to feel they have to leave hospital or a birthing unit before they are ready.<\/p>\n
“By guaranteeing every woman up to three days to rest, recover, and bond with their baby, women will have the choice to be where they feel most comfortable.”<\/p>\n
The National MP behind the Bill, Catherine Wedd, said she was delighted with the government backing for the initiative, which builds on the existing funded 48-hour postnatal stay.<\/p>\n
“Once implemented, the change will make a real and lasting difference for mothers, giving them the time and support they need in those precious early days,” she said.<\/p>\n
However, resourcing concerns were raised<\/a> by cross-party MPs in the bill’s first reading and in many of the written submissions.<\/p>\n