MLBU (Midwifery Led Birthing Unit)
What we offer
The Midwifery Led Birthing Unit (MLBU) supports physiological birth. It is staffed by Midwives and a Midwifery Care Assistant and offers a 24hour service. It is located along the corridor from Delivery Suite. The MLBU provides 4 en-suite birthing rooms and 3 of those have a birthing pool. In addition to this the unit it set up to support freedom of movement to have an active birth experience with equipment such as birthing balls, peanut balls, birthing stools, and adaptable beds. The MLBU aims to create a calm and relaxing environment and can provide aromatherapy and projector lighting.
Water (birthing pool), aromatherapy, TENS machine, Entonox, Oramorph and Pethidine are the pain relief options and can be discussed as part of an individual risk assessment. If your Midwife has any concerns in Labour or after birth on the MLBU then transfer to delivery suite will be recommended.
How do I make this choice?
The MLBU is designed to support women who have a straightforward pregnancy. This is usually those under the care of a Midwife, however, there are exceptions to this. Those who are unsure can talk to their community Midwife or Doctor during your regular discussions around your choice of birthplace.
The most recent large-scale study on transfer rates and outcome in Midwifery Led Units (MLU’S) was the Birthplace Study. The link can be found below.
Location
The MLBU is in the West Block, Level 3 at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and shares the same location of Blakeney ward. On the entrance to Blakeney there is a designated doorbell for MLBU.
Contact details
MLBU can be contacted on the following number 24 hours, 7 days a week.
01603 288260
External links and videos
- Where to give birth: The options
- Information for healthy, low risk women having their first baby
- Which Birth choices tool (endorsed by the Royal College of Midwives)
- Birthplace in England Research Programme | NPEU (ox.ac.uk)