University of Nottingham lead birthing study

Credit: PA.

A new study by experts at the University of Nottingham has found that births in midwifery units in England have trebled over the past six years.

The research also reveals midwife units offer better level of personalised care to women and a lower caesarean birth rate, which reduces the cost to the NHS.

Despite the rise, it has been noted that 25 percent of all NHS trusts in England still have no midwifery units, on the research Dr Denis Walsh, Associate Professor of Midwifery, who led the study, said that midwifery units are better for mothers, safe for babies and cheaper for the NHS.

A woman's right to book into a midwifery unit for their care has been reinforced by the Government's five year plan for maternity, following recommendations by NICE, the National Institute for health and Clinical Excellence.

A woman's right to book into a midwifery unit for their care has been reinforced by the Government's five year plan for maternity. Credit: PA

Cathy Warwick, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said: