08/05/2019 | Press releases

New suite opens for mums-to-be

Mums-to-be who are being induced can now relax in homely and comfortable surroundings while they wait to have their baby following the opening of a dedicated suite at Ipswich Hospital.

Picture of maternity staff in the new suite

Erica Baxter, maternity support worker (left), with specialist midwife Sascha Smith in the new Nova Suite

 

The new induction of labour suite has been created alongside the Brook Birth Centre on the second floor of the maternity block.

Called the Nova Suite, it is made up of seven beds and a comfortable and homely “nest,” which is fitted out with sofas, a dining space and an active birth area so that women can relax, in turn making them more likely to go into labour.

Women who are considered to be low risk will then receive one-to-one care from a midwife in the Brook Birth Centre, while women with more complex needs will be cared for by the multidisciplinary team on Deben Delivery Suite.

Sascha Smith, lead midwife for the Nova Suite with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, said: “Over 30% of all women who give birth at Ipswich Hospital are induced, with some staying in the suite for several days. That is why it’s so important to provide comfortable, homely and non-clinical surroundings in which they can relax.

“Our midwives encourage the women to get up and moving after they have been induced and make use of the nest, which is fitted out like a home from home.

“We’ve had some really brilliant feedback from women using the suite so far. The nest area has received particular praise, as women enjoy being able to socialise with other mums-to-be while they wait for their baby to arrive.

“We also seize the opportunity to offer more information sessions and parental education in the nest while the women are waiting to go into labour.”

The Nova Suite replaces the previous four-bedded bay on Deben delivery suite.

 

 

 

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