The Liberal and Nationals are urgently calling on the Andrews Labor Government to provide further clarity about the very strict rules that appear to apply to women and their partners following the birth of their baby.
There are concerns about the emotional impact of only allowing a 2 hr visit in the days following a birth.
Having a baby is one of the most wonderful times of a mother’s life, but it can also be stressful especially for first-time parents.
Fathers and partners provide enormous support and need to be able to bond with their newborn baby.
Daniel Andrews’ apparent decision to severely restrict the time that fathers can spend with their newborn child and support their partner after childbirth is harsh and distressing that could have long term impacts.
Whilst we understand the need for all Victorians to take responsibility and do what they can to stop the spread of COVID-19, there needs to be a balance to ensure that the long term mental and health wellbeing of new parents are not severely impacted.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier:
“The birth of a child is such an important time; the Andrews Labor Government must explain and clarify these hard-line rules.
“The lack of consultation undertaken by the Andrews Labor Government on this very important issue demonstrates another policy decision made on the run.
“The Andrews Government needs to ensure that all women in the postnatal period will receive the necessary care, and further, needs to explain on what basis these Directives were made.”
