4 November 2009
The brand new state-of-the-art birthing centre at St Helier Hospital is now up and running, and is already receiving glowing reviews from new parents.
The centre, which was built as part of the £2.8 million overhaul of the maternity unit, contains three birthing pools, specialist furniture, birthing balls and mood lighting that gently changes colour.
The centre, which cost £180,000, has been designed so that women who have had problem-free pregnancies have the chance to give birth in a more relaxed environment, supported by midwives.
Kim and Tim Richmond are just two of the new parents who have had a really positive experience in the new birthing centre, as they welcomed their second child, Eamonn to the world on 3 October.
Talking about their experience in the centre, Kim said: "Giving birth here was fantastic and I'd highly recommend it to anyone. We've raved about it to everyone we've met since and just hope that other parents have the chance to experience such a positive environment during the birth of their child. It's such a great start!"
Tim said: "Kim did really well - I think her pain threshold must be off the chart! There was a calmness and serenity about the whole process, and I think that's because these rooms just don't feel clinical at all - the mood-lighting really sets the tone. Also, the midwife was very supportive and helped in making the whole experience very special."
All of the rooms contain special soft furnishings including a comfortable, kidney-shaped bed and matching stool instead of a traditional bed, as well as all of the usual expert equipment you would find in a labour ward.
Eamonn is the younger brother of Orla, aged two. Kim said: "Orla was really delighted to meet Eamonn - I think he's just what she wanted and she really loves him.
"Eamonn's birth was very relaxed and I think that's translated to the way he is now - he's a very content baby."
Gina Brockwell, the Trust's lead midwife for women who have had a trouble-free pregnancy said: "Kim and Tim's story really is lovely, and is exactly what we wanted to achieve. The new birthing centre is like a home-from-home for soon-to-be-parents with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We're so pleased that it is now open to the public and is being so well received."
