The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has established a new dedicated midwifery-led team at Craigavon Area Hospital to support women choosing birth in the midwifery-led unit.

The unit, located on the second floor opposite the main maternity ward, provides 24-hour one-to-one care throughout the year. It features eight self-contained rooms, each with a bathroom and birthing bath, along with therapies and aids for labour.

Last year, 117 babies were born in the unit, which emphasises a natural, home-from-home environment focused on maternal well-being and comfort.

Michelle Harrison, Assistant Director of Integrated Maternity and Women’s Health services, stated the Trust offers various birth options including consultant-led care for higher-risk pregnancies at Craigavon and Daisy Hill hospitals, midwifery-led units for lower-risk cases, and community home births.

Expectant mothers can learn about suitability for the unit at their first antenatal booking visit with their midwife.