"Restrictions on parents/support people"

In my opinion, COVID-19 has provided many obstacles to meeting the needs of pregnant women, which has been experienced first-hand as a first-time expectant mother. It seems to me King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) still have strict restrictions on expectant fathers/support persons attending antenatal appointments including scans, almost 3 years into the pandemic.

I feel fathers are discriminated against and excluded from access to services which is ultimately disconnecting them from the pregnancy journey, leaving women to navigate the system alone. Yet I recall KEMH allows visitors to attend the hospital within visiting hours, but the parent of my unborn child even within those restricted visiting hours is still not allowed to attend an antenatal appointment with me. They are also caregivers and deserve the same access to prepare and educate themselves for pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

This has left us feeling anxious and isolated during what should be an exciting time.