A petition has been launched today calling for all new mums to have access to three days of fully funded postnatal care, ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ MP for Taupō Louise Upston says.
“Currently, new mums are entitled to stay in a hospital or postnatal facility for up to 48 hours – but many feel pressure to go home as soon as possible, sometimes only two or three hours after giving birth.
“³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ is proposing that new mums should be entitled to three days of care after birth, and that that support should be available after each child.
“Becoming a mum is an exciting time, but can also be overwhelming and frightening.
“Giving all new mums the chance to stay for up to three days in a hospital or postnatal facility will mean that if they experience the baby blues, have difficulty breastfeeding, face a medical emergency or simply just need some extra support to help them build up confidence, that support will be available.
“This policy will cost an additional $16-20 million, and the funding will be ringfenced. Mothers who are comfortable going home earlier will be able to, but if there are mothers who need to stay a little longer, the money will stay in the pot so they can.
“The first thousand days are the most important in a child’s life. By supporting families, ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ will help to get all Kiwi kids off to a good start.
“Please sign my petition calling for three days of postnatal care fully funded by DHBs for all new mums: .”
