TWO mums from Tywyn have reflected on the impact on their pregnancies of the temporary closure of the Midwife Unit at Tywyn hospital while it is being refurbished.

Bethan Davies said: “My first pregnancy was unaffected by Covid up until a few days prior to giving birth when we entered national lock down!

“But it was affected in that the local birthing unit was closed for “refurbishments” without the local community having a say or choice in their local services.

“The service is not equitable across the health board, as women in Meirionnydd are at a disadvantage and expected to travel.

“This is a basic service and an essential one at that. Women should be looked after in a clinical, sterile and safe environment in the local catchment area. An alternative which is which 20 miles one way is not local.

“The midwives are doing the best they can for their women and babies with what they provide but I can’t help feeling that all women, babies and midwives in our area are being failed by managers who are making poor decisions without taking into consideration any of these people’s thoughts or opinions.

“Pregnancy and becoming a mum is a very anxious time anyway especially during a global pandemic so to be expected to experience all these added problems is unacceptable.

Cassie Griffiths said: “I gave birth by caesarean in Aberystwyth and then had the shock of being told I would need to travel to Dolgellau 48 hours after the delivery for my midwife appointment and for support with feeding and general help.

“At this point I could barely lift my baby let alone jump in the car and drive 20 miles down the road during a pandemic! I was full of anxiety and completely exhausted!

“Sadly after returning home, I became ill and was taken back into hospital without my newborn.

“This left my partner, a first time father, being left with a 36-hour-old baby and needing to get to an appointment in Dolgellau!

“Any first-time parent will understand how overwhelming it can all feel, let alone having me in hospital and trying to get the baby sorted and driving to an appointment with Covid rules and regulations dominating over everything else!

“I feel it is extremely important and vital we keep as much of our maternity care here in Tywyn! The midwives themselves work so hard, and to not have the close contact in Tywyn will be difficult for them and any expectant mother.”

Heledd Jones, head of women’s services, for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: “Community midwifery services located in Tywyn Hospital are temporarily suspended whilst environmental refurbishment is undertaken to achieve compliance with infection prevention and control standards.

“Antenatal, home births and postnatal care is provided by community midwives visiting women at home. Pregnant women living in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd are telephoned to ascertain where they are able to access care during pregnancy, wherever possible in the closest location to their home address.

“We acknowledge that some women may not have access to transport, and some may not be able to travel, therefore midwives arrange home visits.

“Our aim is to ensure that all pregnant women, new mothers and their newborn babies have access to individualised care throughout the Covid pandemic. I do hope this information provides assurance that pregnant women living in Tywyn are able to access care from a community midwife at home.

“Enquires have been made with the aim of securing a suitable alternative clinical room in Tywyn Hospital to provide antenatal and postnatal care, unfortunately this has not been possible.

“However, the required refurbishment work is near to completion, following which antenatal and postnatal care will resume at Tywyn Hospital.”