Call to extend maternity leave for premature births

IRELAND needs to improve its poor maternity leave rights for the mothers of 2,000 babies born prematurely every year.

Runners of the only post-hospital service for parents of premature babies at the Coombe Hospital, Dublin, argue that the standard 26 weeks paid leave is inadequate for a premature baby, who may take a year to develop to the stage of a healthy newborn.

Patricia O’Hara, a specialist nurse who help set up the neo-natal transition home service group, was appalled by her findings when she carried out the only research project concerning Irish parents of premature babies when they return home.

“I interviewed 146 mothers over a year in 2003 and not one of those mothers were even close to considering returning to work, and were forced to live on a single income if they had that,” she said.

“I found the mothers had to restructure their whole lives, as their babies continued to receive oxygen or medication when they were released from hospital.

“I think parents should seek longer maternity rights as standard — these parents have suffered terribly.”

Barbara Whelan, a clinical specialist, and also a founding member of the neo-natal group said things must change fast to relieve the trauma of coping with premature birth.

“There is no support for parents once they’ve been discharged from hospital.

“It’s absolutely necessary that maternity leave is extended,” she said.