Guidelines changed after water birth safety fears

Thursday 11 October 2018

Hospital water birth guidelines were changed in advance of the service's recent reopening nearly three months after it was suspended due to newborn safety fears.

The birthing procedure was halted with immediate effect in the penultimate week of July after a number of babies born in birthing pools required additional post-natal care.

Speaking at the time, Hospital officials said that they weren’t sure whether the babies’ difficulties were connected to the method of birth. An investigation was subsequently launched into the procedure. 

The birthing pool reopened last week following an update of the health and safety guidelines around water births. The key change, Health officials said, revolves around how mothers exit the birthing pool.

Pictured: Hospital water births were suspended in July but started again last week.

Midwives have also received refresher training in case a woman in labour needs to be lifted from the pool in an emergency. In addition, the internal review processes around this issue were checked by a consultant midwife from the UK in August.

As per routine practice, women wishing to use the pool during labour or delivery will continue to be individually assessed for this birthing option. 

Head of Midwifery Julie Mycock described safety as her department's "number one priority."

“...In any situation where there’s concern of this nature, it’s sensible to check our processes in order to ensure they are robust. We look forward to welcoming expectant mums to Maternity, however they choose to give birth," she said.