Creating a Calmer Birthing Environment for new mums at the Lothian Birth Centre

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. At the Lothian Birth Centre, the amazing team works tirelessly to provide incredible care for expectant mums and their little ones. But alongside the medical care, they also want to create a ‘home from home’ feel for the families during this special time, considering everything from lighting and sound to comfort and privacy—so that each family feels truly cared for, emotionally as well as physically, in what can be one of the most transformative moments of their lives.

Gill Shaw, a Ward Clerk with a big heart at the Lothian Birth Centre, saw an opportunity to get involved in some fundraising activity to help create an even more comforting atmosphere and enhance the support already provided.

Through selling various knitted items from blankets to baby booties in the Mall at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Gill raised over £1,700 for one of the Charity’s funds at the Lothian Birth Centre.

Thanks to Gill’s fundraising efforts, the team has been able to improve six birthing rooms with new bed lamps and projector bluetooth speakers. These additions allow midwives to create a more relaxed and personalised atmosphere, providing soothing lighting and the option for expectant mums to listen to calming music or guided meditations during labour.

The four-bed postnatal bay has also been equipped with touch lamps, providing a softer and more adjustable lighting option for new mums and their babies during the post-natal recovery period. This allows for easier nighttime feeds and checks without disrupting rest. Over-bed tables have also been purchased for the postnatal room. These tables make it easy to eat meals or have personal items in close reach, recognising the importance of practicality in contributing to a more comfortable stay.

These small touches make a huge difference at a really special time, providing a space where new families feel nurtured and supported every step of the way. Gill explains:

I decided to fundraise for the Lothian Birth Centre because I could see how valuable an asset the place is to maternity services. As we offer a home from home experience, I decided to fundraise to enable us to purchase items that help the aesthetics of the rooms. We want to create as soft a feel to the area as possible whilst also giving staff and patients the feeling of being at home.

Comforts such as nice crockery to eat from, the speakers to play their own music. The NHS provides us with all the essential equipment we need but I want to take that one step further and make our unit stand out from the rest. It is a privilege to work in such a calming atmosphere and hope that staff and patients like the small touches. I have been very lucky that Charge Midwife Fiona has been so supportive and helpful during the fundraising.”

These seemingly small additions have made a significant difference to both the patients and the staff at the Lothian Birth Centre. The calming ambiance in the birthing rooms helps reduce anxiety and promotes a more positive birthing experience. The touch lamps in the postnatal bay offer greater comfort and flexibility for new mums, with the over-bed tables enhancing convenience and contributing to a more supportive recovery environment.

Your fundraising makes a difference!

Gill’s inspiring story highlights the important role that fundraising plays in enhancing patient care and creating a more supportive environment within NHS Lothian. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue to work together to make these meaningful improvements and provide truly holistic care for our patients and their families.