New midwife unit a hit with local mums
With modern spacious rooms (all ensuite) today's mothers-to-be have access to all the latest technology and many are seen trekking to the labour wards iPOD in hand to make their experience more comfortable.
It's the amazing staff and facilities that have earned Altnagelvin Hospital their UNICEF Baby Friendly initiative for the tenth year in a row.
While the new maternity unit opened last year, the department also opened their new midwife led unit in January where mums to be can have their entire pregnancy cared for by midwives.
Achieving the baby friendly initiative for the tenth year is something the hospital is incredibly proud of.
Senior midwife Audrey Moore explained: "We were one of the first in Northern Ireland to achieve this, and to hold it continuously. One of the things we are most proud of is supporting mothers with infant feeding and our promotion of breast feeding. All of our staff are trained to support mothers with whatever choice they make in feeding. Currently around 60% of mums will try breastfeeding."Audrey revealed that a woman's contact with the hospital begins long before the delivery date.
"We will discuss feeding with the mums," she explained. "Our aim is to empower women. Our Parentcraft classes are essential in this.
"At Parentcraft we discuss labour and birth, feeding and often have outside speakers who will advise women on car seat safety and safety advice for the home. Yogacise and reflexology are also available."
'Virtual tour'
Currently all expectant mothers are offered a tour of the labour ward, however the hospital has plans to create a virtual tour in the near future.
Anne-Marie McGurk, head of midwifery said the new maternity unit is a wonderful place to work in.
"We have so many amenities," she said. "Staff morale has increased, and the rooms are more airy and comfortable. Every room is ensuite with great access and great views. The furnishing and colours are wonderful."
Anne-Marie revealed that since the midwifery led unit opened in January 2010 many women have been able to labour and deliver in the one room, and be discharged from the hospital 6-12 hours later.
"The concept of the unit is that women can have continuity of care," she said. "Women will be looked after throughout their pregnancy by midwives."
Amanda Sayers, sister of the unit explained that women have given great feedback on midwifery led care.
"Women come in and usually are able to stay in the same room while they are here, there's a lot of one to one care" she said. "Many can leave after six hours, however they can choose to stay longer if they wish."
The two new birthing pools in the unit have proved to be a hit with expectant mothers - and are a far cry from the original mobile pool which women had previously used during labour and delivery.
Amanda explained that the use of the birthing pool is proving extremely popular.
"The pools are plumbed in and we can top the pool up when necessary," she said. "The pool isn't for everyone but women can try them if they wish. The comments we have had back have been fantastic."
Derry woman Emma O'Kane who gave birth to her first baby Grace (7lb 13oz) this week said the new unit was fantastic.
"The staff are amazing," she said. "I felt really relaxed. I was even able to bring in my IPOD and docking station to listen to. My midwives were very supportive and attentive and made me feel so comfortable."
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Weather for Derry
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
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Wind direction: South west
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Temperature: 7 C to 9 C
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