Birth centres, also known as Midwife Led Birthing Units, are staffed by midwives and midwifery support workers.
They have a calm 'home-from-home' environment, which can help you to feel more comfortable with your surroundings during labour. Birth pools are available and encouraged. Epidurals are not administered in a birthing centre.
You can contact the Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text Chathealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of the Healthy Child Programme team.