Mums-to-be in north Cumbria have been reassured that themselves and one birthing partner will be allowed into hospital alongside them during the coronavirus lockdown.

The North Cumbria Integrated NHS Foundation Trust has sought to reassure expectant mums that labours will continue to take place at the Cumberland Infirmary and the West Cumberland Hospital, with one birthing partner allowed at their side.

Anna Stabler, interim chief nurse at the trust said they had received a lot of questions about who could come with expectant mums for support.

“When women attend in labour they can bring one birthing partner with them who can stay for the duration of labour,” she said.

“The same partner can then visit the postnatal ward but no other visitors will be permitted. If the birthing partner is displaying symptoms or isolating due to COVID-19 it would be advisable to consider an alternative birth partner.

“We also have procedures in place for mums who are displaying symptoms.”