Your Labour and Birth

During pregnancy your community midwife will discuss your options for birth with you -do remind her if this is over looked. If the Birth centre suits your needs, and later in pregnancy, we will give you contact numbers for looking around the birth centre.

It is an advantage if you prepare yourself as much as you can, ideally by attending birth classes and reading about what to expect during your labour and birth

On arrival at the Birth Centre, you will be welcomed into your room by a midwife who will discuss with you your plans for labour and birth. Our experienced midwives know that women's bodies work smoothly in labour so we try to avoid any intervention to the natural process. Labour progress seems to be very dependent upon mechanics for example, the way the baby is lying. If baby is in a position whereby the baby's head lies against your cervix and stimulates it efficiently, then labour usually progresses smoothly and easily, and  although painful, is manageable. However, if the baby is lying slightly out of kilter, labour may be more painful and take longer.

During labour we encourage you to try different pain-relieving ideas in a room with soft lighting and music which include:

• Deep warm water which can help you to relax and helps with pain.
• Massage which we can show your partner how to do if you wish
• Active birth such as using upright position –our sling is very popular, birth balls and mats
• Aromatherapy (in a massage, footbath or compress)
• Gas and air
• Pethidine

If the pain becomes too intense for you, we can transfer you to delivery suite for an epidural.  In our experience, most women who come to the Birth Centre do not choose this option.

During labour we encourage you to eat and drink –our banana smoothies are very popular!  - hungry women appear to feel pain much more strongly.

We will listen to your baby's heartbeat regularly during your labour to check for signs of any distress.

If we become concerned about you or your baby at any point, we will discuss our concerns and transfer your care to midwives and doctors on delivery suite.

Should there be an emergency, our call bell system rings for midwives and doctors to help us.

We welcome up to two birthing partners of your choice to help you on your journey to parenthood. There is a kitchen for drinks, waiting area and toilet facilities available.

How can I help myself in early labour?

What do I need to bring with me?

This page was last modified on Fri Jul 23 2010