It's really sad it's been taken away. It's very disappointing.

Caroline Wilson

One mother from Leicestershire said the service was so important it could affect her decision to have another child.

Caroline Wilson, who is eight and a half months pregnant, said the loss of the community service was very disappointing.

"We're having to go to clinics or our GPs. I don't have transport and with an 18-month old daughter it's not easy."

The Delivery Suite lead midwife, Karen Mee, said the hospital has been affected by a national shortage of staff, and is now hit by holiday and illness.

National problem

Ms Mee said all maternity staff were very disappointed to have had to change the service they provide.

"There are a number of factors. We have a number of midwives on long term sick leave and maternity leave.

"There is a national recruitment problem as well."

Leicester Royal Infirmary deals with more than 5,500 births each year.

The hospital said it regrets the decision but with 13 vacancies had to make the cutbacks to ensure a safe level of care for all pregnant women.

The decision will be reviewed in three months.