Rights for first-time mothers increase maternity stays and home visits in Denmark

All first-time mothers have the right to a two-day maternity stay after giving birth, along with the option of home visits from staff if discharged within 24 hours. These rights were established under the 2022 agreement “A Good Start to Life.” The Ministry of Health and Interior has now evaluated whether the political agreement has achieved its intended goals. The conclusion indicates a nationwide increase in both the proportion of home visits and two-day maternity stays. From 2022 to 2023, the share of births with maternity stays exceeding two days rose by eight percent, while home visits increased by ten percent.

However, several maternity wards have yet to implement home visits; this service has not yet commenced at seven out of 20 birthing centers. In the Region of Zealand, no maternity wards have adopted this right, but the region promises that home visits will be available this year in nearly all departments, with the final department expected to implement it by 2025.

Most of the 20 evaluated birthing centers have also adopted the right to a two-day hospital stay, with only one remaining ward in Region Zealand partially complying by offering the right “as far as possible.” Meanwhile, Region Zealand asserts that the right is in place.

The national development is described as “a necessary boost” by Lis Munk, chair of the Midwives Association, particularly following calls to address busy birthing wards and staff shortages. However, she emphasizes that these rights cannot stand alone, as the quality of care involves support and guidance from qualified professionals, not just a place to sleep.

Evaluations of these rights for first-time mothers will soon be discussed during upcoming negotiations aimed at strengthening maternity care. The 2022 agreement proposed extending patient rights to repeat parents, but this suggestion received negative feedback in the evaluation, citing concerns from health personnel about its clinical justification and suggesting resources may be better used for other patient groups.