Was maternity care better in the Sixties?

I HAVE to disagree with Ann Bullock that maternity care was better in the Sixties than today (Letters). When I had my first child in 1962, I was left alone all night except for an occasional visit to check the baby’s heartbeat. At the end of the night shift, the contractions had stopped, yet the nurses insisted I needed to ‘push’, which resulted in extensive tearing. I wasn’t shown my baby or allowed to hold her. I was only asked if I wanted to see her when the day staff arrived. When I had my second child, it was the other way around: when I said I needed to ‘push’, I was told I didn’t. She was born just after 2pm and I was being wheeled to a ward just as my husband came at visiting time at 6pm. Needless to say, I had my third child at home! JuLIA GAMMON, New Milton, hants. I had two stillbirths in 1966 and 1968, which I put down to negligence. Consultants, sisters, nurses — all knew best and no one listened to your concerns. I find it more open today: expectant mothers have a say; they can discuss their care and avoid stress. I still grieve about my two lost daughters. s. pRINCE, address supplied. ANN BULLOCK was right about obstetrics care in the Sixties, but she left something out: dads were excluded. For my first baby in 1960, I was taken to the maternity home a week early for a ‘rest’, but as my husband left, they whisked me off to be induced. He knew nothing until he came to visit the next day. The next year I booked a home delivery so he could be involved, but I was taken in for an induction when I was overdue. The same again. How different it is today. BRENDA hAYEs, hemel hempstead, herts.