Midwife-led birth centre opens

Pregnant women in Somerset will have the chance to use a new birth centre which is run by midwives.

It is based at the maternity unit in Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton and is open to all women who are suitable for a non-medical birth.

The centre has three birth rooms and a birthing pool and midwives are offering aromatherapy and courses to teach massage techniques to aid relaxation.

Women and their partners will also be able to attend "active birth sessions".

'Designed for women'

Sandra Reading, a midwife at the new unit, said: "This is a completely new and refurbished unit especially designed for women who are suitable for a non-medical birth.

"Women can opt to attend the birthing classes and deliver in this unit.

"And obviously the unit is connected to the main unit so if there was a need for additional support, it is very close. So far women have been extremely positive about the facilities here."