Glasgow Maternity Ward Visiting Rules: What New Parents Need to Know in 2025
If you’re pregnant in Glasgow right now you’ve probably heard that our local maternity ward visiting rules have changed.
While I understand why some of these changes are happening… I also know, from personal experience, how much they can impact new parents.
What’s Changed at Glasgow Maternity Wards?
✅ You can still have two birth partners with you during labour and birth, once you accessed the labour suite. (This means that if you are planning an induction - you might have to spend a night or two by yourself until your labour progresses to an active stage and you get moved to a designated birth room. )
✅ During day visitors are limited to two people (not including your partner) and visiting hours are between:
10.00am – 12.00pm
2.00pm – 5.00pm
6.00pm – 8.00pm
The BIG change is that once your baby is born and you’re moved to the postnatal ward, partners can no longer stay overnight. Their visiting hours are limited between 8am and 10pm 💔
Why This Change Hits Home for Me
I gave birth during the COVID restrictions. My partner was only allowed to stay for two hours a day. After a long and traumatic birth, I spent four nights alone in hospital.
I couldn’t get out of bed. I was emotionally raw, trying to care for a newborn in a shared ward surrounded by strangers. Midwives helped as much as they could, but recourses were stretched and staff would take a long time before coming to help…Listening to my baby cry while I couldn’t get to them was heartbreaking.
This isn’t everyone’s story, but for many, having a partner there at night is not just comforting - it’s essential.
Why Overnight Birth Partner Support Matters
I completely understand the pressures maternity wards face:
4–6 new mums and babies sharing a room
Midwives stretched to the limit
The need to limit daytime visitors for rest and recovery and I feel like this change is welcomed by the majority…
But a birth partner is not just a “visitor” - they’re part of your care team.
For new parents, especially those who’ve had:
A surgical or difficult birth
Mental health struggles
Language barriers or discrimination
A history of trauma
…having that trusted person overnight can mean the difference between feeling safe and feeling abandoned.
The Evidence: Why Partner Presence Improves Outcomes
Research shows that continuous support after birth improves wellbeing:
Emotional support reduces risk of postpartum depression (study)
Partner presence can improve breastfeeding outcomes (study)
Continuous care enhances postnatal recovery (NICE guidelines)
Birthrights also states:
“A birth partner’s role for the physical and emotional wellbeing of a woman is significant, particularly for people who have experienced discrimination, are single parents or without family support.” (source)
Private Rooms in Glasgow Maternity Units
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde says some private rooms may be available to those with special circumstances where a partner can stay overnight.
But here’s the reality: these rooms are very limited, and many who need them most may not get one.
Furthermore they reassured that women and birthing people will be well looked after and supported during the night by skilled midwives, nurses and care assistants.
From my own experience - majority of hospital staff are very eager to help and support birthing people, however I also met some exhausted callused nurses and midwives , whose of hand comments (that might not have been intended to come across as harsh or negative , but regardless were received that way due to fragile emotional state) about myself or my baby still ring in my ears to this day…
The vulnerable situation that birthing person is in after bringing baby into this world deserves special care, emotional and physical support that staff just aren’t equipped to provide majority of the time.
Why Choice Matters in Postnatal Care
For some families, going home at night works well. If everything’s gone smoothly, sleeping in your own bed can be exactly what you need.
But this should be a choice - not the only option.
Preparing for Birth and Postnatal Care in Glasgow
If you’re planning to give birth in Glasgow, here’s how you can prepare:
Attend antenatal classes — Local options like Good Times Birth can help you plan for both birth and recovery.
Consider hypnobirthing — Hypnobirthing techniques can help you stay calm and confident during both labour and postpartum.
Create a birth and postnatal plan - Include your wishes for overnight support, even if policy currently limits it.
Build your support network - Connect with local parent groups like Positive Birth Glasgow and join monthly Positive Pregnancy meet ups
Your Experience Matters
I’d love to hear from you:
💬 Did your partner stay overnight after birth?
💬 Would it have made a difference if they couldn’t?
💬 Do you feel this new policy supports or hinders new parents?
Whether your birth was peaceful or challenging — your story matters.
