PROUD dads can now support mums and babies at night as well as during the day - thanks to a new scheme that encourages them to stay overnight after the birth of their baby.

Temporary beds have been introduced by the midwifery team on ward 21 at Airedale Hospital in Steeton in response to requests from parents so they could stay in hospital with their new-borns.

Supported by one of the hospital’s charities, Friends of Airedale, the maternity team was able to buy folding beds for side rooms on the ward to enable partners to stay.

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Val Henson, ward manager on the maternity unit at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said: “Having a new baby is a special experience for both parents and many dads felt they were missing out when they had to leave at night.

“By staying overnight dads become involved in their babies’ care right from the start and also support their partner, which can really help , particularly if they are tired or not very mobile after the birth.”

“We’ve had a great response to the new facility from both mums and dads.”