As restrictions ease partners of women who are pregnant and attending appointments or going into labour want to see the restrictions in some hospitals looked at to allow them to be there throughout the process for the birth of their child.
While it varies from hospital to hospital one local new father says that some clarity is needed and he believes that the situation regarding vaccinations should encourage some change.
Matthew McMahon from Monaghan was lucky enough to be able to be there in the labour room while his wife Kathryn was in labour but says that it is something every partner should have the ability to experience.
He has been talking to Sheila Naughton about his experience and some of the changes in maternity wards that might be welcome changes for new parents:
