New Mum Maxine Sings Praises Of The Vale’s Community Maternity Unit

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

A new mum from Alexandria is thanking staff at the Vale’s Community Maternity Unit for giving her the birth she had always dreamed of.

Maxine Beattie (28) gave birth to Cassie, her first baby, back in February. To her, the relaxed atmosphere of a midwife-led maternity unit was exactly what she wanted.

Maxine said: “I was lucky to have a nice, straightforward pregnancy, meaning I was able to have my baby at the CMU.

“I asked about it at my first appointment as I really wanted to go there. I wanted to be local and I also wanted as little ‘hustle and bustle’ as possible.”

Our Community Maternity Units are led by midwives and aim to offer a homely environment – there is the option to use a birthing pool. There are no doctors within the CMUs but you will be closely monitored and transferred to a consultant-led unit if required. 

Maxine added: “My waters broke in the early morning, but I waited until lunchtime to go into the birthing unit. Cassie arrived at 5.40pm. It was everything I had ever wanted.

“It all felt very natural and I felt like I had all their attention. They made me feel safe and calm and thanks to them I have great memories of my labour. I would encourage other mums to be to consider giving birth at the Vale if they are able.” 

NHSGGC Director of Nursing, Margaret McGuire said: “I am so pleased to hear this lovely feedback from Maxine regarding the Vale Community Maternity Unit. What she describes is exactly what we want for women and their families – high quality woman-centred care in the right birth environment that meets their needs. My thanks go to the great staff there for their ongoing care of women and their families.”