Giving birth at the midwife-led birth unit (MLBU)

Midwife-led birth units are considered the most appropriate location for low risk women to labour and birth. The Rosie MLBU offers women who are enjoying a healthy pregnancy and expecting an uncomplicated birth the opportunity to let the natural process of childbirth take its course.

 

The MLBU is open 24 hours a day and is staffed by midwives and maternity care assistants. Your own community midwife may come and look after you during labour. We also welcome doulas.

 

There are three rooms with en-suite facilities. Two of the rooms have a Bradbury birthing couch instead of a bed and one room contains a birthing pool. We also have birthing balls, mats, birthing stools, music and soft lighting. Drinks and snacks are available.

 

We offer ‘gas and air’ (entonox), pethidine and water for pain relief. We have a limited supply of TENS machines on the unit. However, TENS is often more effective when it is started at home in early labour and we would therefore recommend hiring a TENS prior to the onset of labour.

 

The majority of the midwives on the MLBU have completed the ‘examination of the newborn’ course and are qualified to perform your baby’s first check. This enables you to transfer home to the care of your community midwife as soon as possible. If your baby has had a good feed, we will encourage you to go home around two hours after the birth.

 

We are unable to accommodate women who wish to rest overnight after the birth of their baby. It may, however, be necessary to remain on the MLBU for a 12-24 hour period if your baby requires observation post-delivery. Four postnatal beds are available on the unit. The midwives and maternity care assistants provide postnatal care and breastfeeding support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to top