Maternity – Birth Suite (Labour Ward)

General introduction

Our Birth Suite offers a welcoming environment for women requiring close monitoring during labour. It is obstetric-led meaning it is overseen by doctors who specialise in pregnancy and childbirth.

Despite the need for closer monitoring, our midwives will support and encourage you to remain active during labour to maximise the chances of a vaginal birth. They are committed to empowering you and acting as your advocate, providing constant support throughout your labour.

Within Birth Suite we have seven birthing rooms, some with ensuite facilities or 'Jack and Jill' shared bathrooms. Among these, two rooms feature birthing pools, and one is designed for those needing enhanced care.

We also have a dedicated induction of labour bay, two maternity theatres, and a recovery area.

Our goal is to ensure you have a positive birth experience. We offer a range of equipment to enhance your comfort, including projectors, 'Bluetooth' speakers, birthing balls and stools - all of which aim to create a relaxing environment and promote active birth.

Wireless telemetry is available for continuous monitoring of your baby's heartbeat during labour, allowing you to remain mobile. This technology can also be used in the birthing pool when clinically appropriate.

About the team

During labour in the Birth Suite, you will receive one-on-one care from a designated midwife.

Medical staff including obstetricians (doctors specialising in pregnancy and childbirth), neonatologist (doctors specialising in newborn babies), and anaesthetists are also available if necessary.

Useful information

Pain management

The Birth Suite offers a wide range of pain management options 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Entonox (gas and air), opioid injections (form of strong pain relief), and epidurals (an injection in your back to stop you feeling pain in part of your body).

Birthing pools

While birthing pools are not always recommended, we conduct risk assessments throughout your pregnancy and at the onset of labour. If risk factors suggest that giving birth in an obstetric unit is advisable, please consult your midwife and obstetrician about the suitability of a water birth for your situation.

You may be referred to the Consultant Midwife’s Birth Options Clinic to explore your options and develop an individual care plan.