Published on: 17 June 2020
The team at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust’s Midwifery-Led Birthing Centre is celebrating after welcoming its 200th baby.
Baby Lyle Cresswell, weighing 7lb 1oz, arrived at 17:23 on June 16, 2020, arriving two weeks before his due date. Mum Claire Cresswell was supported by experienced midwife, Liz Di-Duca.
Delivering at the birthing centre at South Tyneside District Hospital was unexpected but proud parents Claire Cresswell, 31 and Lee Cresswell, 33, from Town End Farm, Sunderland had nothing but praise for the centre.
Claire said: “I didn’t know about the birthing centre and wasn’t planning on delivering here, but when I went into labour I called the hospital and was offered the opportunity to go [to the birthing centre] to be examined.
“It turned out I was more than half way though labour already and they asked if I was happy to stay, which I was – and it was amazing!
“The staff have been brilliant, my midwife was so supportive and encouraging throughout, I don’t think I could have done it without her.”
Baby Lyle is the couple’s second child and little brother to Corey aged 9.
The proud parents were presented with a letter from the Trust’s Chief Executive, Ken Bremner congratulating them on the birth of their son and a commemorative hand blown glass bauble as a keepsake of the milestone birth.
Initially worried about having to come into a hospital amid the Coronavirus pandemic, Claire commented: “I was really worried about coming in and being on my own, but I was examined really quickly and Lee was called back straight away and other than the masks I don’t feel like it’s any different!”
Sheila Ford, Head of Midwifery at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’d like to say huge congratulations to Claire and Lee on the birth of their baby boy. We are incredibly proud to have reached yet another milestone at the birthing centre.
“It has been and continues to be uncertain times, but despite the pandemic our midwives have continued to provide a calm, relaxing and friendly environment for new and expectant mums.
“Expectant parents can be absolutely reassured that our teams have worked hard to ensure that mothers and babies receive a safe, positive birthing experience. They are doing a fantastic job under extremely challenging circumstances.
“We just want to reassure mums to be that both of our maternity units at South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital are very much ‘open for business.’ We are here and we are ready to safely look after mums and babies.”
The Midwifery-Led Birthing Centre at South Tyneside District Hospital, which opened in August last year continues to be a popular choice for local women and feedback from parents who have used the new facility has been overwhelmingly positive.
Claire commented: “I really can’t fault a thing, it couldn’t have been better. We have been treated like royalty from the minute we got here to the minute we’re leaving.”
For more information call the Midwifery Led Birthing Centre on 0191 4041033 and speak to one of our dedicated midwives.
