3000th Baby Born in the Birthing Unit

The popular Birthing Unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital welcomed it’s 3000th baby into the world last week. At 4:59pm on Saturday 21st April 2012 Marie Davis gave birth to her first baby, Justin James, who weighed 9lb 3oz.

Mrs Davis, 29 who worked through most of her labour at home and only just arrived at the hospital in time said :”My waters broke at 4am but I took a couple of paracetamol and stayed at home for as long as possible. I got to the hospital just 20 minutes before Justin arrived so in the end the labour moved very quickly. I’m so overjoyed that I already feel like I could do it all again”.

Midwives, Julie Read and Natalie Cornell assisted Mrs Davis in the delivery and commented on how calm and relaxed Marie was and how supportive husband, Scott and mum Janet were.

The new family were able to take their baby boy home the following day and he is now settling in, surrounded by balloons and toys from family and friends.

The Birthing Unit opened in 2007 to provide a relaxed, homely environment for low risk deliveries. Due to the serene setting and state of the art alternative equipment women require less pain relief and can deliver their babies with minimal intervention. Each of the three room’s host large birthing pools as well as birthing stools, balls and tension ropes. Women are encouraged to relax in the private rooms with essential oils, music and flame free candles.

Over 20 per cent of births at the hospital are now taking place in the Birthing Unit. This has helped to ensure that the hospital’s main labour ward can be used more appropriately for women who have already been identified as needing to labour and deliver on the main ward.