Smiles all round as Alex is centre’s 2,000th arrival

The Maidstone Birth Centre, which has been open less than five years, has welcomed its 2,000th baby.

Alex David was born weighing 8lb 14oz, after a four-hour labour.

Baby Alex is a first child for mum Emma Baines, 27, and dad Mark Sloane, 26.

Miss Baines, a speech and language therapist, said: “Everyone was so helpful and reassuring. It is a great environment and the staff made it the best experience I could have wished for.

“We are so grateful for the support and advice we received from everyone.”

The centre, which opened in September 2011, features two birthing rooms, four post-natal rooms, double beds to allow partners to stay and a kitchen/diner.

There’s also a garden room that opens out to a small outside space with a seating area.

It cost £3m to build and is in Hermitage Lane, behind Maidstone Hospital

The midwife-led centre was opened when the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust decided to transfer all consultantled maternity care to Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury.

The centre received just 10 births in its first month of opening, but has become increasingly popular.

Janine Absalom, centre manager, presented a bunch of flowers to mum Emma.

Mrs Absalom said: “Our team are committed ambassadors for midwifery-led care and our facilities support mothers and their families to ensure they have the best possible birth.

She said research has shown that for women with an uncomplicated pregnancy, birth centres are just as safe as hospitals.

Weekly tours of the entre are available for pregnant women and their families.

Contact the unit on 01622 220160.