Did you know about Cossham Birth Centre?

Since opening in late January 2013, over 200 babies have been born at Cossham Birth Centre – the area’s first free standing birth centre, situated in the redeveloped Cossham Hospital.

Gina Augarde, lead midwife at Cossham Birth Centre, said: “Our first months of opening have been fantastic – we’ve welcomed 212 babies into the world and parents have absolutely loved the facilities we have here and the homely setting that we can offer.

“It is truly an historic moment – not only as Cossham Birth Centre is the first of its kind in the Bristol area but also because although Cossham Hospital is over 100 years old this is the first time that babies have been born here.

“We are open for mums and dads to come in and have a look at the facilities, or you can watch our new online video before you come in for a tour.”

Situated on the top floor of the newly refurbished Cossham Hospital, Cossham Birth Centre is the first free standing birth centre in the area where healthy women with a straightforward pregnancy living in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset can give birth.

The birth centre’s four birthing rooms each have a pool offering all women the opportunity to use water for labour and birth as well as additional birthing aids to support the natural process of childbirth.

The rooms are comfortably furnished with double beds, sofas and en-suite facilities to provide a homely and intimate atmosphere.

Aromatherapy will be available to help women relax and relieve symptoms during labour.

For fathers/partners, there are overnight stay options with open kitchen, bathroom and visiting facilities.

The Cossham Birth Centre project grew from the Birth Centre Bristol campaign, started by midwives in 2001 to establish one or more NHS Birth Centres.

Hundreds of women from across Bristol supported the campaign and a petition was presented to the local PCTs in 2005.

Cossham Birth Centre is part of an important drive to offer women more choice in where and how they can give birth and in promoting natural childbirth for women with uncomplicated pregnancies.

Visit www.nbt.nhs.uk/cosshambirth

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