Today, Julie formally opened a new birthing pool at Sunderland Royal Hospital.  The facility has already been functioning for several months and over fifty babies have been delivered safely in the suit.

Installation of the new pool at Sunderland Royal Hospital has been eagerly awaited by both mums-to-be and the midwives working on the Maternity Unit and it is one of the most advanced of its kind.   Support has previously been available for mums wishing to have water births at home however more and more women were expressing a wish to have the option to use a birthing pool during labour in hospital and the Trust was keen to be able to offer this additional choice to women.

Healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies can choose to use the pool as a form of pain relief during labour or remain in the pool to deliver their baby if they wish.

Julie said:

“I was immensely proud to officially open the new birthing pool at Sunderland Royal Hospital this morning.

“I was lucky enough to speak with some parents who have used the suite since it was installed last year. They said they would recommend it to anyone expecting a baby – the facility really is first class.”

To see a short film outlining the services provided by the Trust’s Marernity Services team, watch the below clip: