The birth centre offers a home-from-home environment whilst being cared for by midwives on a one-to-one basis. The use of projectors, mood lighting and music creates a calm and relaxing environment whilst prioritising safety.
The birth centre is co-located next to our consultant led unit. Birth partners are welcome to stay with you throughout your time in the Birth Centre.
Who is the birth centre for?
Expectant women 37 weeks and over who are booked under and are not anticipating any problems in labour.
We have four spacious rooms all of which include en-suite, two of these have birthing pools.
There are refreshment facilities for both you and your birth partner. There is also a patient kitchen which may be used. Your privacy is important and all the rooms have large private bathrooms which you both can use during labour and after the birth of your baby.
On the birth centre we encourage movement, breathing techniques, massage, TENS machine and utilising a birthing ball as effective pain relief.
- Aromatherapy - we can provide a variety of essential oils that can help relieve pain naturally and promote relaxation
- Hydrotherapy or Waterbirth - can help to ease pain and promote relaxation
- Paracetamol and Codeine
- Etonox or Gas and Air - can help to take the edge off the pain
- Diamorphine - an injection that helps to relieve labour pains and anxiety and promote relaxation
Occasionally, there are situations which might require you being transferred to delivery suite for additional monitoring and review. If this happens your midwife will explain the reasons why prior to transfer. After review, if no concerns are noted, you may be able to return to the birth centre.
During this time, birthing partners are welcome to stay to provide support and help care for their baby.
We will support you in your choice of feeding and ensure you are happy and confident prior to discharge.
The baby may be discharged after a newborn and infant physical examination (NIPE) examination check, which typically occurs after 6 hours. All parents are offered a thorough physical examination for their baby within 72 hours of giving birth. The examination includes screening tests to find out if your baby has any problems with their eyes, heart, hips and, in boys, testicles (testes) (NHS, 2021).
There are bi-monthly tours of the birth centre and parent education sessions and these can be arranged by emailing bfwh.
If you wish to deliver at Blackpool birth centre you may speak to your community midwife who will help arrange this.
