Due to maternity hospital visiting restrictions, women have been forced to spend hours alone in labour, with partners only allowed in during the birth. Previously, Cork University Maternity Hospital allowed partners to come in at 7am and leave at 11pm. Ms Kelly says the midwives and nurses were fantastic, but nothing can replace the birth partner. "We are also very sensitive to specific situations regarding pregnancy loss, stillbirth and unexpected complications and we adapt our visiting restrictions in these situations." The Coombe hospital said it currently has restricted visiting hours for inpatients.

Source: Irish Examiner September 10, 2020 18:22 UTC