The Midwife Birth Centre (MBC)
The Midwife Birth Centre (MBC) is a 12 bedded ward all with ensuite side rooms. On the ward we have 4 rooms for the midwife birth centre, including our pool room. The other 8 of our rooms are the Blossom suite rooms used for induction of labour. The wards have disabled access in all areas including bathrooms. An assisted bathroom is also available. Our day room is where you will find breakfast, meals, snacks, water fountain and hot drinks for patients only.
The Midwife Birth Centre is a unit run by midwives, however during your stay should you need a medical review the obstetricians will come to review you on the department, please discuss the further plan of your care with the medical team and your allocated midwife.
If you are receiving midwife led care (MLC) or have had a medical review or PMA (professional midwifery advocate) input during your pregnancy you may be suitable to receive care on the Midwife Birth Centre.
It is really important that you contact the Midwife Birth Centre should you suspect, your waters may have broken or suspect you are in labour. You may also contact the Birth Centre for advice or enquiries during early labour and feeding support. MBC is open 24/7, please call MBC on 0178262200.
If invited into the birth centre for early labour support, established labour or to determine if your waters may have broken you are allowed 2 birthing partners to attend with you for support.
Once you have birthed your baby you will be supported by our midwives who will continue to help you plan your care and that of your baby, conducting daily clinical assessments and observations on both you and your baby. During your stay in hospital, we encourage you to keep your baby in a cot by your bed at all times, unless any special treatment is required. This helps you to get to know your baby and promote bonding and reduces the risk of accidental drops or falls
Help and support will be available to give you confidence in caring for your baby, and the staff will make sure that you and your baby are well. Additionally, during your stay, the Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) examination and hearing screening will be conducted.
Please discuss your plan for going home with the midwife on the ward, if you require medical discharge, you will be seen by medical staff to review you prior to discharge and any medication you require to go home with will be provided. If you require a longer stay for further support or observations for you and your baby you maybe transferred to our postnatal ward until you and your baby are ready to go home. We aim for an early discharge home from MBC. If the stay is prolonged for any medical reason, you may be transferred to the postnatal ward.
Our maternity centre has been accredited as 'UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) Baby Friendly' because of our best practice standards in breastfeeding. There are also breastfeeding co-ordinators available to offer support to women on the wards.
You will be visited at home the day after you return. By the community midwifery team
Visiting:
MBC:
Antenatally:
24/7 and 2 named birthing partners
Postnatally:
24/7 access for 1 main birthing partner
09.00-21.00 Own Children
18.00 -21.00 All other visitors (2 at a time) - No other Children under the age of 16 (expect patients own)
Blossom Suite:
24/7 access for 2 main birthing partners, no other visiting is permitted on the ward.