Are hospitals letting children visit when baby arrives?

[Looseleaf]

I haven’t asked our local hospital this question I realised and wondering whether our two DC can meet our baby when born or whether I’m allowed out of the hospital briefly to introduce them as they are older and will find it hard without being part of it all. Just wondering what to expect and wish I’d asked so as to prepare them either way . It must be hard for hospitals I would guess with Covid quite prevalent it seems.

Not as far as I know. Ours only allows one visitor and it was only the start of this week they allowed women to have a second birthing partner.

Not in my area....you are allowed 2 visitors a day ( to incluede your DP) and only one visitor to be at your bed at a time....and no under 16s

It’ll depend on your trust. Some are a lot more flexible than others.

Ok thanks. Their website says to ask the maternity unit so I guess I’ll know in time !

Fwiw OP, DD2 was born in early 2021 and I was worried that DD9 would feel left out, especially as we weee in nicu for a week, but it's just covid and everyone just has to get on board with things. I did a couple of video calls and sent loads of vids and photos and they're really well bonded now. The hospital but is over so quick, more than likely quicker than mine was. But yes ask your unit. You never know

My trust are still not allowing any visitors, partners l/ birthing partners can come when in active labour, they can stay for 1-2 hours after birth then have to leave😩

No children allowed as visitors in my trust. I also wasn't allowed to take baby off the ward until I was discharged. As PP says, video call and send lots of photos. Plenty of time for bonding once you're home.

Gave birth last week and DD wasn't allowed in to meet her, it was birth partners only

I had DS in 2018 and kids were not allowed on the ward even then, I don't think it's necessarily a covid thing.

Not here, Scotland. I sat in on a meeting last week and the feeling is never again. Perhaps in canteen or outside but long term no child visitors.

Theory being covid and all germs so easily spread. While most of us sensible there are plenty who will take children in with bugs, coughs, runny nose etc and pass around ward to newborns.

Think everyone just trying to be more aware of those in hospital and the vulnerabilities of others.

Will be very area specific though.