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In Grampian we have one alongside midwifery unit which is located within Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. This unit is called the Midwives’ Unit.
What is an alongside midwifery unit?
An along-side midwifery led unit means it is located in the same hospital as an obstetric unit, so has access to obstetric, neonatal and anaesthetic care on site. The midwives’ unit has a relaxing and welcoming environment and is run by a team of midwives and health care support workers who will care for you throughout your stay on the unit.
Research has shown that midwife-led care for low risk women, improves a range of outcomes, reduces intervention in labour and increases satisfaction with care. The Birthplace in England study found that for low risk women, birth is as safe for babies in alongside and freestanding midwife units as it is in obstetric units, but with the added benefits of reduced interventions for the mother.
The unit is situated a few minutes away from the labour ward should you need transferred to the labour ward if any complications were to arise. There are a number of reasons transfer to hospital might be advised, you can find out more information on transfers in labour by clicking the below link.
What facilities does the unit have?
- There are two birthing rooms.
- One birthing room has access to a birthing pool .
- Radios are available or you may bring your own bluetooth speaks to use for your own music.
- The rooms do not have en-suite facilities however there are bathrooms located across from each of the rooms.
- You will have access to a variety of equipment such as birthing balls, birthing stool and birthing mats should you wish to use these. If you’d prefer to bring your own birthing ball, you are welcome to do so.
- The beds are able to move into a variety of positions to support you being active during your labour.
- There is a range of pain relief options available to you. Including; TEN machines, the birthing pool, gas and air and morphine injection.
After your baby is born
After you have had your baby you will be transferred to one of the two postnatal rooms in the midwives unit where you will spend time getting to know your baby while being cared for by the team in the midwives unit.
There is a double bed in one of the rooms for you and your partner to get some rest together following the birth of your baby.
If there is any further monitoring or support recommended for you or your baby for longer than 24 hours you will be transferred to the postnatal ward for this ongoing care. If all is well with you and your baby and no further checks or monitoring is required you can return to the comfort of your own home directly from the midwives unit when the time is right and appropriate for you and your baby. This can be soon after the birth should you wish.
The pictures on this page have been kindly shared by mums who have given birth in the Midwives’ Unit
Finding the Unit
Address: Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, Cornhill Rd, Aberdeen AB25 2ZL
When arriving at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital the reception will check your details then ask you to make your way to the midwives unit entrance where there is a bell to the right hand side for you to ring and a member of the team will greet you at the door.