Here at the Warkworth Birthing Centre we believe new parents should be offered the opportunity to spend time together with their newborn. Unlike most mainstream hospitals partners are welcome to spend a night with mum here at the Birthing Centre.

These first few days are a special time when family bonds are formed; we believe that having partner stay is a positive experience for the whole family.

Dads who stay overnight can continue to:

• Spend time bonding with baby.
• Take baby for a walk or spend time cuddling baby so tired new mums can get some much needed sleep.
• Have a chance to develop new skills such as nappy changing, bathing, swaddling and settling baby.
• Support mum as she learns how to breastfeed. This can happen in a variety of ways such as changing baby’s nappy, warming the bassinet, getting baby out of bed and ready for a feed as well as just ‘being there’ during the feeds.

Although these are all things dads do during the day, mums really appreciate the support of their partner in the wee small hours. A loving word or hot milo can make all the difference.

We understand that some couples would like to stay together for the entire stay. However, we have a firm one night only policy.

There are several reasons why we only offer one night to dads.

• We have had feedback from some mums who feel uncomfortable walking about the centre overnight when there are a lot of men staying.
• Sometimes couples struggle through the night together instead of contacting staff. These first few days are an important time for mums to gain the skills and confidence for successful breastfeeding.
• Limited facilities - our centre has no public showers and only one public toilet.
• The extra demand on the night staff in particular around breakfast time.