Published on: 7 January 2020
The new midwifery-led birthing centre at South Tyneside District Hospital has celebrated the birth of the 90th baby since its opening last August.
The new midwifery-led birthing centre at South Tyneside District Hospital has celebrated the birth of the 90th baby since its opening last August.
Amy Forbister had a water birth and her son weighed 7lb 9oz. Jace Vincent Bowmaker is the first child for Amy, 33, an art technician, and her partner, electrician Dean Bowmaker, 28.
Amy, of Boldon, described her experience at the birthing centre as ‘perfect’. She praised midwife Joanna Wylie and her colleagues who were at the birth. She also thanked community midwife Emma Gibson for her ‘amazing support’ throughout the pregnancy and her sister, Kay Forbister, who was her birthing partner.
Speaking of the birth, she said: “Dean had phoned ahead to say we were coming and when we arrived they had the pool filled and there was lovely, relaxing lighting. They were so supportive and positive but in an unobtrusive way - I didn’t know they were there until I needed them. I would recommend the centre 100%. The parentcraft classes beforehand were also excellent and really prepared us for the birth.”
Sheila Ford, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust’s Head of Midwifery, said: “We are thrilled to have welcomed our 90th baby at the midwifery-led birthing centre at South Tyneside District Hospital which offers more birth choice to women. It is fantastic to know that Amy was so happy with her birthing experience.”
The feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. A 100% satisfaction rate was recorded for the centre in a Friends and Family Test, in which patients are invited to give their views on their NHS care and treatment.
Women who have a low-risk pregnancy which is problem-free now have the option of:
- Giving birth at the midwifery-led birthing centre at South Tyneside District Hospital
- Giving birth under midwifery-led care at Sunderland Royal Hospital, which is within the consultant-led maternity unit
- Giving birth at another maternity unit of their choice in the region
- Giving birth at home
Women who have a high risk pregnancy are advised to give birth in the consultant-led unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital. The majority of all antenatal and postnatal care continues to be provided locally.
Mums-to-be and their partners are welcome to visit the midwifery-led birthing centre. A tour of the centre is an integral part of the parentcraft sessions which are run on Sundays over four weeks. To find out about the parentcraft course or to simply arrange a visit, contact 0191 4041033. Visitors can also just drop in, although it is advisable to ring the number first as the centre may be busy.
