In the Birth Centre

The new Maidstone Birth Centre, staffed and run by midwives, is a positive option for women whose pregnancy is low risk and who want to give birth in a non-medical environment. It's quite like giving birth at home, but with access to excellent facilities, such as water birth pools.

Sarah Gregson, Consultant Midwife said: "I am excited about the new birth centre at Maidstone. We worked closely with local women and midwives to design the new service and it really is excellent".

Women in our area will be part of a very small minority nationally who have the complete range of choices about where to give birth. They are the right solution for women with uncomplicated pregnancies and who do not want or need a more medical approach."

One Maidstone mum, Jenny, who has used the Canterbury Birth Centre said: "Everything seemed so much easier than in hospital and I felt in charge." As can sometimes happen, Jenny was transferred by ambulance to hospital on one occasion to finish her labour there. She explained, "I can understand people's concerns about travelling some distance, but they needn't. The midwives are fully experienced and didn't take any risks."

The birth centre is now fully open.
To view our facilities, please contact your Community Midwife

	The birthing room The birthing rooms are spacious and comfortable with noclinical equipment on view.
	One of our birth pools Large birth pools help labour to progress and women to relax and cope with contractions.
	One of our bedrooms Each bedroom is unique, comfortable and spacious. Double beds mean that the whole family can spend time together after the birth.
	One of our bedrooms Floral pictures enhance the rooms and continue the relaxed theme that is found thorughout the centre.
	The Kitchen/Diner The kitchen/diner provides a central, social hub for the Birth Centre. Here, parents can make drinks and snacks, watch television or chat to other parents.
	The Garden Room The garden room: a space leading to the garden for women inearly labour to enjoy fresh air, relax and walk around.
	The Parent Education lounge The Parent education lounge provides a venue for ActiveBirth classes recommended for all women who want to givebirth in the Birth Centre.