Budget 2026: Longer hospital stays for mothers after giving birth

Author: Cherie Howie,
Publish Date: Thu, 28 May 2026, 4:32pm

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Mothers will soon be given the choice of longer postnatal stays, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

Those who’ve just given birth will be able to stay in hospital or birth care facilities for up to three days under the new initiative announced in today’s Budget, Willis said.

This will cost about $34.4 million over the next four years, although it’s not clear when it will start, because a law change is required.

The minimum 72-hour postnatal stay will apply from delivery if the mothers are in hospital, or from the time of admission to a postnatal facility.

Previously, discharges were based on patients’ specific needs, but some mothers and their families have felt this was earlier than they wished and needed.

The Government announced last October that it would back National MP Catherine Wedd’s Three-Day Postnatal Stay Amendment Bill, allowing mothers to stay in hospital or birthing units at least three days after their babies are born.

It would progress through Parliament as part of the Government’s legislative programme, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said at the time.

Supporting “healthy starts” for mothers and babies was at the heart of the bill, “especially for those who may not have the help they need at home”, Brown said in October.

“We are committed to ensuring women and their babies receive safe, timely, and appropriate care. Adopting this as a Government bill means planning can begin to ensure the health system is prepared to deliver this improved support for families.”

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