Maternity unit with integrated active birth centre

Our maternity unit at the University Hospital of North Tees is on the first floor of the hospital and is managed by skilled and experienced midwives who are passionate in promoting and facilitating the normal birth process.

The maternity unit offers a family friendly environment where you and your birthing partner can enjoy the birth of your baby. The aim of the maternity unit is to support normal birth by providing midwifery-led care in an environment in which you feel comfortable and respected.

Where support is required in labour and delivery we have a team of obstetricians, anaesthetists, neonatologists and theatre staff who are available 24 hours a day to respond to your needs as required.

In addition the hospital has a neonatal intensive care unit to support any baby that requires additional help when they are born.

Can all women deliver at the maternity unit?

Any woman can book to deliver at the maternity unit at the University Hospital of North Tees. Women who have had previous complicated pregnancies or deliveries will be under the care of a consultant obstetrician.

Your midwife will discuss your birth place choices at your booking appointment and will have a further discussion with you around 36 weeks pregnant.

Facilities

There are fourteen delivery rooms, one with a birthing pool. All rooms offer a birthing experience which can include the use of active birthing equipment. Most rooms have soft lighting effects with rocking chairs, birthing balls, bean bags, delivery mats and stools and encourage mobility throughout labour. All rooms are en-suite with either bath or shower.

Pain relief options include:

• birthing pool
• water papules for the relief of back pain
• TENS (provided by yourself)
• gas and air (entonox)
• pethidine / diamorphine injection
• epidural

What are the advantages of a maternity unit delivery?

• one to one care in labour (where possible)
• your birthing partners can stay with you during and after the birth of your baby
• a birthing pool available for either labour or water birth
• en-suite delivery rooms
• your birthing partner can stay while you are in labour
• obstetricians available 24 hours a day where support is required in labour or delivery
• neonatologists, anaesthetists and theatre staff on site if needed
• additional care and support is available for women who have premature labour or babies

Integrated active birth centre

• a calm and relaxed home from home environment
• an opportunity to practice HypnoBirthing and active birthing techniques during your labour and birth
• soft lighting and music systems with blue tooth technology
• a range of active birth equipment to enable you to be as mobile as possible for labour and birth

What are the disadvantages of a maternity unit delivery?

• there are times when the unit is busy

Who will deliver my baby?

Most babies are delivered by midwives. Midwives are trained to identify and deal with emergency situations, calling for medical assistance when needed.

If you need further help with your labour or delivery the obstetric team is available 24 hours a day to give extra care, and deliver your baby if needed.