The unit at St Mary's Birth Centre in Melton Mowbray, Leics offers new mums an extended stay in hospital while they adjust to life after giving birth.

Bosses planned to replace it with a drop-in centre and more home visits.

They are now reconsidering the proposals after concerns were raised, but will still address whether they can afford to keep running it.

'Very rare'

Peter Reading, chief executive of University Hospitals of Leicestershire Trust, said they were listening to the views of ward users.

"They like this service, they like the opportunity to stay at St Mary's after delivery for sometimes several days," he said.

"It's not a service we offer elsewhere in Leicestershre.

"It's not a service offered almost anywhere else in the country - it's very rare.

"The question is whether we can afford to continue the service."