BRISTOL'S first birth centre led by midwives is set to open in just two weeks.
Midwives at the new Cossham Birth Centre are making preparations for the first babies to be born at the unit ahead of its opening on January 28.
The team of ten midwives and five maternity care assistants will be in charge of the stand-alone delivery suite, providing a more relaxed setting for women giving birth.
The centre on the top floor of Cossham Hospital, which is in the final stages of its £19-million refurbishment, has four birthing rooms. It has been set up for women who have had a straightforward pregnancy where no complications are expected in the birth.
Each room has a pool as well as additional birthing aids to support the natural process of childbirth.
The rooms have double beds, sofas and en-suite facilities to provide a homely and intimate atmosphere, where partners can also stay.
Aromatherapy will be available to help women relax and relieve symptoms during labour.
Cossham Birth Centre grew from the Birth Centre Bristol campaign, started by midwives in 2001 to establish at least one NHS centre.
Hundreds of women from across Bristol supported the campaign and a petition was presented to the local health trusts in 2005.
Gina Augarde, lead midwife for Cossham Birth Centre, said: "We are so pleased with the design, and feel it is a real home from home setting with great facilities for the women and their partners."
"It is always a real privilege to be part of the special moments when parents welcome a new life into the world, and Cossham Birth Centre will enable midwife-led natural childbirth to offer a hugely positive experience for them."
No comments:
Post a Comment