North Antrim MLA Paul Frew contacted the Health Minister and the Interim Head of Maternity and Gynaecology Services in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust over concerns from Ballymena mothers about postnatal care.

New mothers reported being asked to attend clinic appointments as early as three days after giving birth due to centralised arrangements in the Trust.

Frew raised the issue after constituents contacted him about pressure to leave home so soon after birth, especially following complex pregnancies or surgery.

Responses from the Health Minister and Trust officials confirmed that home visits remain the standard model of postnatal care.

Clinic appointments serve as an optional choice for mothers who prefer them.

The Trust plans to withdraw locally developed letters that indicated most postnatal care would occur in clinics.

A new Trust-wide information leaflet will detail women's options and rights for postnatal care settings.

A Trust spokesperson stated that the choice of care location belongs to the mothers, with home visits offered to all who select them.

Frew stated that mothers should select home visits without pressure and that he will keep monitoring the matter.