"Birth Centre - a centre of excellence"

We were fortunate to have a straightforward and low-risk pregnancy throughout, and as a result were referred to the birth centre at St Mary's at 36 weeks.

From the start the midwives proved to be professional, approachable, and engaged with each interaction we had, up to and including giving birth to our beautiful baby girl in mid-September.

When we arrived at the birth centre once labour had begun, I was treated with kindness and understanding while I was examined.

The midwives were accommodating of both my partner and our doula as they prepared the birthing pool, and once established labour was in full swing, Sophie, the attending midwife was encouraging, supportive and reassuring throughout.

Whilst labour lasted in excess of 6 hours, there was never a time I was not looked after and assisted by the midwives on duty.

Following our little one's birth, my partner and I were left to bond alone with her and eventually transferred to a recovery room to rest.

It was in the 24 hours following the birth that the birth centre staff truly demonstrated their passion and professionalism.

It became obvious after the morning shift change that the new midwives on duty were fully briefed on our chart, down to the last feed and nappy change we had done.

The level of care and attention never wavered.

And when baby had trouble latching, several midwives attended over the course of a few hours to assist me with feeding.

The only criticism I would have would be the lack of discussion around alternatives to breast feeding given the difficulties my baby initially experienced (at the post-birth home visit the midwife instructed me to express and bottle feed for several days to allow my breasts to heal following the blistering that developed on day one; now my baby is latching and feeding without issue).

Over the course of our stay, the birth centre staff showed compassion, attentiveness, and a truly professional dedication to their calling.

We couldn't have been more impressed and grateful for the service and attention we received and we would absolutely recommend the Birth Centre at St Mary's to any expectant mother who is committed to a natural child birth in a welcoming environment.

Our sincerest thanks to all the dedicated midwives we encountered.