Home Comforts: Enhancing Birth Experiences

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity has transformed a maternity unit at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital, creating a calming environment for women that has been described as a 'home from home' in the hospital. These improvements align with the Scottish Best Start recommendations, which advocate for comfortable and relaxing spaces to support natural and active births.

Since the creation of the Alongside Midwife Unit with the room enhancements, women using the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital, now have access to a birthing unit that provides a home-like environment. The beautiful artwork, installed by Grosvenor Interiors, has been designed to create a relaxing space that encourages the release of oxytocin during labour. Oxytocin, often referred to as 'the love hormone,' is responsible for contractions and assists with bonding.

"I loved my birth room and how relaxing it was."

Since the transformations have been completed, 262 women have used the enhanced rooms, with 161 women using the birthing pools.

"I had a waterbirth, and it was a very positive experience. The room made me feel more relaxed."

Nicola O'Brien, Best Start Project Midwife, elaborates on the benefits observed:

"The rooms not only provide access to a full range of birthing environments in the hospital but reviewing outcomes has evidenced lower rates of intervention for the women using them. It is great to be able to support women and their families in achieving a positive birth experience."

Before these changes, the rooms were used by fewer than two women per month. Now up to 40 per month are benefitting from the enhancements. This shows that the funding has made a substantial impact on the birthing experience for many women, providing a calming, supportive environment that increases positive outcomes. With these improvements, the charity continues to support best practices in maternity care across the city.