 Not enough support currently available to new Tasmanian parents
 New parents facing difficulty should get the help they need
 Labor committed to 10 new mother and baby unit beds to fill unacceptable gap

A majority Labor Government will fill an unacceptable gap in support services available to new parents in Tasmania by funding 10 public mother and baby unit beds throughout the state.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said only one public mother and baby bed was currently available across the entire state, leaving new parents who may be experiencing difficulties with no support at the critical time after the birth of a child.
Vising new mums and their babies at their Child Health Association Tasmania baby group in Launceston today, Ms White said a future Labor Government will open two new mother and baby beds in the north-west, four in the north and four in the south, filling a void for parents who need help with issues many new mums and dads face.
“New parents dealing with serious issues like ante-natal and post-natal anxiety, feeding difficulties and sleeping difficulties with their new babies really do not have anywhere to turn at the moment in the public health system,” Ms White said.
“It’s not acceptable that Tasmanians who are experiencing parenthood for the first time or families who need help adjusting to parenting are being left vulnerable unless they have the money to pay to access the private system.
“Support and care for new parents is critical to get them through what can be a very challenging time.
“That support is also crucial to ensure babies are getting the best possible start in life and to develop healthy and strong parent and child relationships.
“If new mums and dads are having problems or facing difficulty they should be able to get the help they need without the stress of wondering how they will pay for it.
“The new beds to be opened under a Labor Government will be staffed with qualified, accredited midwives able to provide support and valuable advice on maternal and child health.
“Supporting parents and kids at the earliest opportunity is not only important but will also result in better health and wellbeing in the longer term.”
Rebecca White MP Labor Leader