Babies have a bawl as midwifery unit celebrates fantastic first year

Since opening in February 2011, over 260 babies have been born in the unit -way above the expected numbers. Over a quarter of these have been to first time mums who have benefited from the homely, relaxed, unhurried atmosphere which is so important during labour and the first 24 hours after the birth.

The hotel style rooms and water birth facilities have been a huge success, with 90% of women using the pool and nearly half of the babies born in water. The midwives have led this service with their experience, dedication and flexibility to ensure that each birth has been a very special event.

Amanda Davidson, who gave birth to Molly McKibben in September, was keen to help the unit celebrate following the wonderful care she received at the unit.

“I couldn’t have asked for more,” she said. “I had a lovely big room, gas and air were on hand, there was a bath. Everything was really straightforward and I had a midwife with me all the time.

“Everybody was really good and we felt really comfortable. I was never anxious because the midwife explained every single step and she helped my partner through it as well.”

Amanda explained that her mother and her sister had both given birth at the Lagan Valley and she thought it was lovely that the whole family had been born there.

Bernadette Speer-Gibson from Hillsborough gave birth to both her children, Aoife and Luca, at the Lagan Valley Hospital. Aoife was born in the obstetrics unit and Luca was born following the change to a midwife-led unit.

“It was very, very important to me to come to Lagan Valley,” she explained. “I wanted the chance to have the birth I wanted and it was a wonderful experience.

“The midwives are so helpful and they give you the kind of birth you want. They really listen to you. They are so supportive.”

Bernadette was so pleased with the care she received at the Lagan Valley that she hopes to return there to have her third child.

“All being well, I would love to have the same midwives again,” she added.

The Chief Executive of the South Eastern Trust, Hugh McCaughey, attended the celebrations and said he was delighted with the success of the unit in the first year.

“I am absolutely delighted,” he said. “The first year has been a tremendous success. It has exceeded all expectations and that is down to two things - the staff and the mothers.

“The staff are totally committed to the unit. They are the ones who made this unit a success. The mothers who have used the unit have spread the word,” he continued. “They are the best promoters of the unit.”

The midwives are delighted with the tremendous support they have had from the women of Lisburn, and would encourage women from the surrounding areas such as Dromore, Dromara, Dunmurry and Moira to consider having their baby at the Lagan Valley.

Anyone considering using the unit can have a tour of the facilities by contacting 92 633534.