Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn – one of South Holland’s maternity hospital options – is celebrating the first year of its Midwife-Led Pathway, which included the reintroduction of the Home Birth Service.
Launched in February 2017 the Midwife-Led Pathway aimed to provide a less clinical approach for women having low risk pregnancies.
A spokesman for the hospital said: “Since its launch, a total of 55 women have been able to deliver their babies at home while 425 opted for the relaxed “home from home” environment and facilities of Waterlily [Birth Centre] and its birthing pools.”
Matron for the Midwifery-Led Pathway Kathryn Owens is delighted with the response to the service.
She said: “Giving birth is such a personal thing so it is important that women had greater choice in the location and what happens.
“We are really pleased to have given women on low risk pregnancies more options of where they deliver their babies.
“Being able to offer this service has also meant a great deal to our dedicated team of midwives, we want to give mothers and families the best experience possible as the memories of the birth will last a lifetime.
“We have had a really good first year and now we are looking to the future.”
The pathway supports women from their first antenatal appointments right through to postnatal care.
Women can be directed onto the pathway via their GP or they can also refer themselves by calling 01553 214903.
During the last year, the midwifery team has introduced a number of other treatments to offer greater choice for expectant mothers, such as a hypnobirthing course. The midwifery team also now offers aromatherapy and acupressure massage to help expectant mothers who are overdue.
For more information on the Midwife Led Pathway, contact The Waterlily Birth Centre on 01553 214635.
