On this page, women who used the birth centre at St Helier Hospital share their experience with others.
Caroline, Karl and baby Olivia
I used the birth centre at St Helier Hospital when I gave birth to my third child, Olivia, in July last year. I wanted to say how much my partner and I enjoyed the whole experience. The two midwives who looked after us were amazing! I cannot praise the unit and midwives enough. Olivia is now a very mobile and happy nine month old baby.
Mother Caroline and baby Olivia
Left: Marie and baby Olivia, just born in birthing pool. Right: Olivia, now two years old, with her unborn brother or sister's scan pictures.
Thank you so much for the wonderful experience you gave me. The one to one midwifery care was simply incredible and the whole experience so positive. I loved the birthing pool and there still isn't a day that goes by when I don't think about Olivia's birth with such fond memories. You gave me the confidence to realise my birth ideal. Thank you!
The aftercare was also fantastic and the continued support with breastfeeding has meant that 15 weeks on I am still giving Olivia only my breast milk.
Olivia is such a chilled, happy baby and I'm sure that it's because her arrival into this world was so blissfully calm and peaceful'.
Mother Marie and baby Olivia
Helen, moments after giving birth to Sam
I felt welcomed into the birth centre and Michelle was wonderful in the few hours leading up to Sam's birth. She put me at ease and I felt so supported by her presence and her encouragement.
I felt much more in control this time round and was able to get to the last ten minutes with no pain relief. I knew this was due to the care I received, the option to labour in water and the calm environment in the birth centre. Tim and I can't thank all the midwives enough.
Helen and baby Sam
Again - thank you very much for an unforgettable experience while giving birth at the birth centre at St Helier Hospital which is so important for a positive start.
Just today, while waiting for the breastfeeding adviser, I recommended the centre to a lady in her 32nd week of first-time pregnancy (she did the antenatal breastfeeding session at the Tweeddale clinic).
Honestly - Philip, born in a natural way, is much more alert, or it is just me, being his proud mum. Anyway - I am so happy for that!
Huge thanks to midwives Katharina (who delivered Philip and was so positive and helpful) and to Ali (who took over and did my stitches and gave me and my husband all the support I needed after the delivery). They are brilliant!
Vera B and baby son Philip
Maryam and her husband with baby Zareen
As soon as I was shown the Hera room at the birth centre, my mind went calm with the thought of a Greek Goddess who is brave and courageous. This made me feel strong for what was going to be a beautiful experience, and the reward would be equally fulfilling.
The two midwives, Caroline Richards and Nicola Young, were extremely positive and supportive and made my experience very special. My beautiful baby Zareen was placed on my chest soon after she was delivered under water. As I gazed at her beautiful face for ages, the pain was nowhere to be felt, perhaps due to the overwhelming joy of finally having my baby in my arms.
I have only good memories of the birth bentre and would highly recommend it to other expecting mums.
Maryam and Baby Zareen
