North Cumbria home birth service reintroduced
Expectant mums in north Cumbria will once again have the option to give birth at home thanks to the reintroduction of the home birth service.
The North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust announced the news on 5 June. Home births were suspended due of the coronavirus pandemic.
Amanda Kennett, Head of Midwifery at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: We are really pleased to be able to offer a choice of birthing options for our women again.
"We know it has been difficult for those who have to change their plans but we have tried to make sure all births have been a positive experience in what are very unusual times.
“In line with national guidance we still have visiting restrictions in place however expectant mums can still have their birthing partner with them to provide support during labour.
"The birthing partner is able to stay following the birth if mum is anticipated to be discharged home. It is only if mum and baby are admitted onto the post-natal ward following labour where no visitors are permitted.”
Over the last four weeks, North Cumbria’s midwives have welcomed 224 babies into the world over the past 4 weeks, including, 120 boys, 104 girls and 2 sets of twins.
Amanda adds: “Having a baby is such a special time and we would never want anyone to feel worried. We are still here to help and would urge mums to contact us if they have any questions at all, that’s what we are here for."
“We would also like to remind parents to make sure their babies and children still get their vaccinations and attend vaccination appointments.
"Vaccines are an absolutely essential building block of good health and provide essential protection against potentially life-threatening diseases.”
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