Mum left devastated after hospital separates her from newborn for three days

A Melbourne mother who was unable to see her newborn daughter for three days after testing positive to COVID-19 says the experience was “one of the most horrible things” she’s experienced.

Sarah told 3AW’s Jacqui Felgate she gave birth to Sadie at the Royal Women’s Hospital via C-section on Thursday and was able to visit her in the neonatal intensive care unit for one hour after birth.

But another baby was then admitted to the same room as Sadie and Sarah wasn’t allowed to visit her newborn for three days.

Press PLAY below to hear Sarah telling Jacqui Felgate about the distressing experience

“I was just really disappointed that there was no effort made to accommodate some kind of visit,” she said.

3AW Drive was provided with the following statement from the Royal Women’s Hospital late on Tuesday.

“The Women’s works very hard to provide compassionate care and support to everyone who comes to us for healthcare,” ” the statement read. 

“We are very sorry that in this instance, our patient feels she did not get the support she needed. While we always try to keep mothers and babies together wherever possible, our priority is the health and safety of all our patients, including newborns.

“The Women’s has a hospital guideline for the management of infants with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, as well as for COVID-19 positive parents and visitors.

“Where newborns require special treatment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and other patients are also being treated in the unit, COVID-19 positive parents aren’t able to visit due to health and safety reasons.  

“These guidelines were followed in this patient’s case.”

Click PLAY to hear MP Monique Ryan weigh in after hearing Sarah’s story