Midwife’s leaflet sparks controversy in Hungary

Midwife advice leaflet stirs controversy: should expectant mothers really be prepping meals and ironing shirts for their husbands, or is it time for a more modern approach to family support? Momentum politician shares her thoughts in a Facebook post, State Secretary for Health reacts.

Outdated advice from a midwife’s handout?

Blikk reports that a recent social media discussion has highlighted advice given in a midwife’s leaflet to pregnant women, suggesting they prepare meals and iron clothes for their husbands before going into the hospital. This guidance, provided by a midwife, has sparked debate, with Szeged-based Momentum politician Noémi Halász criticising it as outdated. Halász argues that in today’s world, where many women work and contribute equally to household income, domestic responsibilities should be shared more equitably. She contends that while family support has traditionally helped mothers, relying solely on the mother-to-be to maintain the home is no longer practical or fair.

Supporting women

Halász emphasises the significant physical, psychological, and hormonal challenges that come with motherhood, suggesting it’s crucial for family members to support the new mother instead of adding to her burdens. Reflecting on past practices, she acknowledges that previous generations could lean on extended family or community support; however, today’s working mothers deserve a self-sufficient household where everyone contributes to chores. This modern approach, she insists, respects the realities of contemporary family life and the evolving role of women, making shared responsibility vital in ensuring new mothers can focus on recovery and bonding with their newborns.