TIVERTON, the town that can often be the centre of many jokes, has always had one shining star in its midst — its maternity unit.

Generations have passed through its doors, safe in the hands of its top rate staff and second to-non follow-up care.

But now this is all to change.

Being a child of the unit myself, and now proud to say a mum of it too, I cannot begin to imagine the loss this will be to our town.

To offer itself merely as a birthing centre, with no after-care, seems near enough the equivalent of a drive-thru.

Of course, the care received during the labour stages are paramount to both baby and mum.

But so is the attention and care received by them afterwards.

The first few days following birth are for bonding, getting to know your baby, recovering and establishing breast feeding routines.

For some mothers, they are happy to do this at home on their own terms but for the majority, including myself, this time spent in the maternity unit was invaluable.

Breast feeding, which has been so readily acknowledged the world over as being best for both baby and mum, can only decline.

Without correct instruction from fully trained nursing staff, in a safe, non-pressured, friendly environment, some mums will simply give up, finding a bottle the quickest and easiest option where there is no support to help them persevere.

Yes, of course, the maternity unit at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital offers all of this follow-up care.

But when we have a fully-equipped maternity unit on our doorstep, to not offer this as standard for every mum that passes over the threshold seems neglectful.

Mums, whether first timers or experienced, deserve a full and comprehensive birthing experience, not a drive- thru!

RUTH HARRIS Market Terrace, Tiverton