Providing 24 hours access to care and advice, Andover Birth Centre is a five-bedded NHS, Midwife led maternity centre.

It is staffed by an experienced and enthusiastic team of Midwives and Maternity Health Care Assistants, together with administrative and domestic support.

Advice and support is provided by Consultant Obstetricians and Paediatricians from the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester and local GPs.

The service we offer you

Antenatal

• Continuous, 24 hour telephone advice. No worry is too trivial, no problem too small.
• A service can be available at the birth centre, to let you be assessed by skilled Midwives if you have any concerns. Please call the birth centre to arrange a suitable time.
• Some routine antenatal clinics are held at the birth centre, and also extra antenatal assessments if clinics are full or it is medically necessary.
• Come in to be assessed to see if labour is established before admission into the consultant unit.

Delivering at the Andover Birth Centre

• With your first baby you should have an uncomplicated medical history and pregnancy.
• Your second, third and fourth baby, as well as the requirements above, you should have had previous vaginal births (including ventouse and some forceps).
• If you fulfil these requirements we can offer you a relaxed, homely atmosphere, with one to one care and support in labour to help you achieve the choices you make.
• All forms of pain relief are available with the exception of an epidural and there are two experienced Midwives attending every birth.
• Remember this is available even if you live outside the area as you book directly with the Midwives.

Postnatal

• Transfer to recuperate and get to know your baby if you have had a complicated delivery at the consultant unit.
• Expert advice available for breast and bottle feeding.
• Guidance with baby-care; immediate family welcomed and encouraged to take part.