This is an alongside unit which provides a further three delivery rooms and a pool room. Women can use this unit when their pregnancy is very straightforward. The emphasis is on active birth, and we encourage mobility in labour and have birthing balls, stools, mats and beanbags for you to use. The surroundings may feel more home-like. The leaflet, ‘The Birthing Pool’ is very useful should you consider using the pool to help you through your labour. Should the midwife become concerned about you or your baby during your labour on the midwife-led care unit, she will arrange for a doctor to come to see you, or will arrange for you to be transferred to the delivery suite. You can use gas and air, Pethidine diamorphine and aromatherapy on the midwife-led care unit. However women requesting an epidural are transferred to the delivery suite.

If you would like more information about different types of birth and ways to manage the contraction pains, there are leaflets you can download.

After your baby is born

In most cases your baby will be dried, placed on your tummy and covered with a warm towel or blanket. This allows you to begin to get to know your baby in a warm, calming and natural way. Left in skin contact eventually your baby will start to move towards your breast, wanting to feed. Your baby can be offered skin to skin contact even if you have had a Caesarean section.