Birth unit welcomes anniversary newborns

Old met new in more ways than one when Singelton Hospital’s birth unit shared its own birthday with two newborn babies.

The birth of a baby boy and baby girl was the perfect way to mark the 20th anniversary of the Bay Birth Unit at Singleton Hospital on 22 May. 

What’s more, the mothers were supported by the newest member of the unit's core team, midwife Jo Cooney, and midwife Cath Gordon who has been there from the beginning.

Jo supported the first baby on the day, a boy born to mum Jessica Phoenix at 3.11pm, with Cath supporting Rebecca Scallon, who had a girl, Bonnie, at 8.24pm.

Midwife Jo Cooney (main pic with Jessica) said: “Welcoming new life physiologically into the world while watching women transition into motherhood will always be an honour, but even more so on a special date like this!  

“Jessie is such a strong woman and is going to be a lovely Mama."

First-time mum Rebecca, from Neath, chose a water birth.

She said: “My mother and my partner were allowed to be there with me and I was only in labour for two and a half hours. 

“They staff were very supportive, they were all really helpful.

“After she was born they told me it was the unit’s 20th birthday and the midwife. It was a nice coincidence.”

Midwife Cath Gordon said: “On our 20th birthday, we welcomed a new life into the world.  I was honoured to be present for the birth of Rebecca's baby girl.  Happy Birthday to our birth centre and the beautiful babies born that day. May both be blessed with love, growth, and endless joy. 

“Also, a special thank you to all the mothers who allow us to be part of their journey.”

Pictured above: Midwife Jo Cooney, mum Jessica Phoenix with her partner, and student midwife Elana Fitzgerald

Lead midwife Helen Etheridge has also been there from day one.

She said: “The centre is a real home from home environment so women feel more relaxed.

“It’s better all round for many women - if they start off in a birth centre, they're less likely to need intervention meaning better outcomes, and better satisfaction.  Having a Birth Centre such as this one or the newly reopened Birth centre in Neath Port Talbot Hospital also means that we are able to give expectant mothers more choice – something we know they welcome.”

Ensuring the mothers were cared for is part of the reason Helen became a midwife.

She said: “I had always wanted to be a midwife but I did my nurse training first, in 2000, and three years of nursing and then converted to be a midwife.

“It’s the joy supporting women when at their most vulnerable time.

“And seeing that new life.”

She said: “That’s why the team and I were thrilled to celebrate our 20th birthday by welcoming both a baby boy and baby girl, both babies were born in the water into mums' arms. 

The Bay Birth Unit offers two pools and all rooms are en-suite.

You can find out more by visiting Swansea Bay University Health Board’s website here.

Helen added: “Giving birth is a big moment in women’s lives which is why we’re so keen for any who want to come and visit us in advance of their due date to do so.  

“They can be assured of a warm welcome and will be able to familiarise themselves with our facilities, reducing any anxiety they might have before they come in to give birth.”  

Expectant mums can book a visit to see the facilities by phoning 01792 285212.

Swansea Bay University Health Board also recently reopened the birth centre at its Neath Port Talbot Hospital.  

Any expectant mother due to give birth there can arrange a similar visit by phoning 01639 862103.