THE HEAD of midwifery at South Warwickshire Foundation Trust has spoken of her excitement about the opening of a new midwife-led birthing centre at Warwick Hospital.
Sarah Noble joined the trust this summer and has previously worked at NHS, private and even military hospitals. She is also a panel member for the’ Better Births’ National Maternity Review Program, which plans to improve maternity services in England over the next 5 years.
Sarah said: ”Part of the vision for the ‘Better Births’ program is for them to become safer, more personalised, kinder, professional and more family friendly. The Midwifery Led Unit (MLU) widens women’s choice around where to have their babies.
“For women who have uncomplicated pregnancies the research shows birth outcomes both for mums’ and babies’ are improved in MLU’s, for example they more likely to have a normal birth, less likely to have caesarean and need less pain relief compared to on an obstetric unit.”
The Birth & Babies Appeal – which aims to raise £200,000 – will fund equipment beyond NHS standard for the new unit, including a family snug and kitchenette area costing £25,000.
Sarah added: “The appeal will enable us to make the unit feel family-orientated, the snug in particular will be a great addition as it is a separate area beside the birthing room where partners and women can get some space and will really help us to achieve a home-from-home feel.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/birthandbabies or email [email protected] to donate to the appeal.
FAMILIES across Warwickshire have come together to produce a calendar raising money for the Birth & Babies Appeal.
The calendar boasts photos of Warwickshire families and children themed for each month, including puddle splashing for April and pumpkin babies for October.
It was put together by local mums Zoe Manning and Leanne Howlett, with each month sponsored by different companies.
The Warwickshire Pregnancy & Birth Network sponsored printing costs of the calendar and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire also supported its publication with a donation earlier this year.
Zoe Manning said: “I have really enjoyed putting together this calendar, it showcases an amazing collection of photos and will help a cause close to my heart.
“ I hope the community enjoy using it as much as we have making it, please support the appeal and get yours today.”
The calendars are available for purchase now at £10 each. Visit www.justgiving.com/birthandbabies-calendar to buy a copy.
A WINTER Wonderland Ball has raised more than £8,000 for the Birth and Babies Appeal.
The event at Leamington Town Hall saw guests enjoying live music, and taking part in a raffle and even meeting Santa.
The night was organised by Jennifer Harding and her mother Liz, owners of local catering company Top Nosh Food.
Jennifer said: “I would like to thank the local businesses who supported the evening in a variety of ways and of course, all those who attended and bought raffle tickets. I have enjoyed bringing together the community to raise money for the Birth & Babies Appeal”.
Director of Operations at the trust, Helen Lancaster, said the night was a resounding success.
She told the Observer: “I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening and am so pleased at how much we managed to raise so much for the appeal. The support on the night was overwhelming and will ensure that we can make our new maternity unit the best that it can be.”
The new unit will open next summer with the development starting after Christmas.
The Birth and Babies Appeal currently stands at £53,000 with another £147,000 left to raise. All funds from the appeal will go towards enhancing the centre for women and their families.
To support the appeal email [email protected] or call 01926 495321 to speak to the fund-raising team.
