Many nappy returns are being celebrated on Walsall’s Midwifery-Led Unit (MLU) today – as it marks its first anniversary since moving into the Manor Hospital.
Little Dimitri became the 201st baby born on the unit to proud Aldridge parents Eleni and Andrew Louka and the couple’s second son arrived at 8.15am weighing 7 pounds and 10 ounces.
Eleni, 31, had a water birth and described the experience as “so calming and relaxing.”
“I had my first son Antonio at Good Hope Hospital, but my Midwife made me aware of the MLU and I’m so pleased I was able to come here,” said Eleni who has a candle business, Clara Par.
“It feels more like a spa and is so calming and relaxing with all the Midwives and staff kind and supportive. It’s a special day for Dimitri to be born on being the unit’s first anniversary too!”
The MLU was previously a standalone unit but, following consultation and engagement with Walsall’s Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership and families, it was moved into the hospital. This means that more birth choices can be offered to a greater number of women. Within the previous unit, only low-risk women – with strict criteria – were able to use the service. These criteria can now be expanded and mean women and babies who may have complications as their labour and birth progress have rapid access to staff who are able to support urgent care.
Rickell Bailey, MLU manager, said: “It has been a true joy to witness the growth of the MLU, and to be a part of such intimate and meaningful moments with expectant mothers and their families. Recently, I’ve been exploring ways to expand our services, offering women more options and greater freedom in choosing their birth experience.”
Georgia Green-Howe Student Midwife, delivered the unit’s 200th baby yesterday. Baby Eden was born to husband and wife Ayokunle Makanjuona and Motunrayo Olufemi at 1.08pm and weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces. He is the thrilled couple’s first child.
Georgia said: “Happy first anniversary MLU.
“What a privilege it is to be part of an amazing team. Today is a special day as we all come together and celebrate the anniversary. We opened our doors with the vision to provide safe and compassionate care for families in our community. Today we reflect on this journey and celebrate 201 births so far.”
Jo Wright, Director of Midwifery, Gynaecology and Sexual Health at the Trust, added: “What a lovely milestone for our wonderful MLU.
“We are so proud to have welcomed 201 babies – and counting – and hearing such wonderful feedback is so rewarding. The success of the MLU would not have been possible without our committed and dedicated Midwives and support workers. We look forward to supporting many more women and families to have a positive experience here in our MLU.”
The MLU offers:
- One to one care in labour
- Three birth pool rooms with en-suites
- Breastfeeding support
- Parent education
- Reflexology (coming soon)
- Calming atmosphere with LED lighting
- Swift discharge directly from the MLU
- Refreshment area with seating