Parents and babies from a maternity unit in Hartlepool re-opened during the pandemic came together to celebrate its success.
The special community party was held to mark the success of the Rowan Team at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
Since the service was opened in September 2020, its midwives have delivered 60 babies to parents across the area – as well as caring for more than 200 families.
The party at Ward Jackson Park this week was organised by midwife Tracy Scott-Barker and the team. Funding provided by local MP Jill Mortimer and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.
Tracy said: “This party was our chance to bring our community of parents and their little ones back together with our team to celebrate.
“Since the service launched, the team has worked tirelessly to ensure women in Hartlepool can have their baby in the town.
“The unit really has become so much more than just that. We organise events such as our successful Beach Bumps walks along the seafront in the town. We also offer expert advice and support.
“I am so proud of everyone involved and want to thank our whole community for their continued support.”
What does the Rowan team offer?
The team offers holistic support to all of its women. This includes organised walks along the seafront, breastfeeding classes, active births and hypnobirthing.
The service also follows the Continuity of Carer initiative, which offers new mums the security of seeing the same community midwife throughout their pregnancy. Having the same midwife builds rapport and trust with the new mum.
Local support for the maternity unit
Since being elected MP for the town in last year, Jill Mortimer has helped support the service.
She said: “As chairman of APPG of Maternity it was a pleasure to spend time with the parents, babies and midwifes of the Rowan Suite.
“Hearing their great experiences gives us all hope for the future. I hope this will encourage more mothers in our town to choose this fabulous option at our hospital, so more babies are born in Hartlepool.”