Woodland Labour Ward
Our new Maternity Unit is now open at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
From 31 March, all emergency gynaecology and early pregnancy services will be based at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Anyone at any stage of pregnancy with a suspected gynaecology ssue should also attend the BEACH Building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
There is parking outside the BEACH Building for those in labour or anyone who needs to be seen urgently. These are short stay/drop-off spaces only and there is a 30 minute parking limit in this area. After 30 minutes, vehices should be moved to the patient and visitor car park. A support person will be able to stay with you while you are here.
Woodland Labour Ward
Mothers and birthing people who have had a high risk pregnancy in the past, have an existing medical condition, have developed a complication in this pregnancy or who wish to use epidural as a method of pain relief are encouraged to give birth in the Woodland Labour Ward.
There are two birthing pools available to women/birthing people on Woodland Labour Ward, you should discuss your desire to use water for labour/birth with your midwife or obstetrician as part of your plan for birth.
It is a good idea to tell us you would like to use the pool when you phone the Maternity Advice Line (MAL) on 0300 369 0388. The pools can take 10-15 minutes to fill, so we can get it ready while you are on your way in.
When you are admitted you will be given your own room which you will normally stay in to give birth. Sometimes however it might be necessary to transfer you to the theatre for delivery, for example if you need a forceps or caesarean delivery. A midwife will be assigned to look after you. Midwives normally work 12 hour shifts. Depending on the time of your admission and the length of your labour you may have more than one midwife looking after you throughout your labour.
The rooms on Woodland Labour Ward do have quite a lot of equipment but this is there to ensure the safety of you and your baby. Most mothers/birthing people and babies in this suite need to be monitored more closely throughout labour. However we encourage mothers and birthing people to be as active as possible to increase the chances of achieving a normal birth. Continuous monitoring using telemetry is also available on the Woodland Labour Ward.
Telemetry is a remote system that permits wireless monitoring of fetal and maternal wellbeing in water or whilst moving around. This is appropriate for mothers and birthing people who need continuous monitoring and who wish to be as mobile as possible.
Other birthing aids such as balls and mats are also available on the Wood;and Labour Ward, please ask your midwife if you would like to use these for labour.
Within the theatre there are two dedicated obstetric theatres for women and birthing people who require a caesarean section. These are run by a dedicated team of theatre staff. If you need to give birth in the obstetric theatre you will be accompanied by a midwife who will support you and your birth partner through the caesarean section.
For more information, please click here
Maternity Advice Line:
0300 369 0388
Option 1 – clinical advice (24/7 cover)
Option 2 – clerical queries (8am-4pm cover)
