11 November 2011
The new birth centre at St Helier Hospital recently reached a major milestone as it celebrated the arrival of its 1,000th baby, Erin Adele Davies, who was born on the stroke of midnight on 29 October 2011.
The occasion almost coincides with the two-year anniversary of the centre, which was opened on 1 October 2009 as part of a £2.8 million revamp of maternity services at the hospital.
Erin – who was born in one of the centre’s three birthing pools and weighed in at 9lbs 2.5oz – is the latest addition to the family of Owen and Sam, becoming the youngest sister to two brothers Tom and Rhys and big sister Carys. Proud mother Sam said: "I can’t praise the midwives at St Helier’s birth centre highly enough, especially Mel and Gina. They were amazing, both during the birth and afterwards.
"I gave birth to my two boys on a regular maternity ward, which I found to be overly clinical, so I went to the birth centre with an open mind. Needless to say, it was a very different – and extremely positive – experience.
"I would recommend the birth centre to other expecting mums – it’s as close to a ‘home-from-home’ atmosphere as possible, but you’re reassured knowing that experienced midwives are on hand to help."
Gina Brockwell is the lead midwife at the centre. She said: "Every birth is a unique, special occasion for all involved, but Erin’s arrival is that extra bit special.
"I’m thrilled to hear that Sam had a positive experience with us, which is the overwhelming message we hear from mothers who choose the birth centre for their baby’s birth.
"It doesn’t seem so long ago that we cut the ribbon at the opening of the birth centre, and yet here we are celebrating our 1,000th birth almost two years to the day. All my colleagues were really gratified to hear the news, and we can’t wait for our 2,000th arrival!"
