A new bill in New Zealand could allow mothers and their newborn babies to stay in the hospital for at least three days after birth.
Right now, they are only guaranteed two days of care. But some experts worry the healthcare system might not have enough staff or space to handle the extra day.
The proposal, called the Pae OraAmendment Bill, was introduced by National MP Catherine Wedd. It also asks midwives to clearly tell mothers what care they are allowed to receive after giving birth.
Many members of Parliament support the bill, but some are concerned about whether hospitals have the resources to make it work. Kate Hicks, who leads the group Birth Trauma Aotearoa, said that while the idea is good, New Zealand’s maternity services are already under a lot of pressure.
She explained that some women have had stressful or even traumatic birth experiences because the system is so stretched. Hicks believes the extra day could help—if the right support and care are in place. She wants to see the care system improve in a way that is aware of mothers’ mental and physical health needs.
There are services that support mothers across the country, Hicks said, but many are underfunded. She hopes the government will help strengthen those services as part of this plan.
In response, MP Catherine Wedd said more details about funding and staffing will become clear as the policy moves forward. She pointed out that the government has already hired over 2,000 more nurses and nearly 100 more midwives in the past year.
The bill had its first reading in Parliament in December. On Wednesday, a committee will hear public opinions and expert advice before deciding what happens next.
