Maternity

When our maternity services move from Poole to Bournemouth’s new BEACH Building in the future, we have the opportunity to fund the extra special items that are above and beyond NHS funds.

We are raising funds to equip the maternity wards with bubble lamps and mood lighting to enhance the sensory environment for expecting parents with babies born at the BEACH Building. We are also raising funds to furnish two specialist bereavement suites for those that experience the loss of their baby, like there currently is at St Mary’s at Poole Hospital.

Bubble lamps and mood lighting

We can help provide mood lighting and bubble lamps to create a calm environment and an enhanced sensory experience for patients, partners and babies. These items will help to promote a positive birth experience and provides mothers with a homely environment which is especially important if they are having a lengthy stay in the department or a difficult labour.

Research shows that the level of oxytocin hormone that’s needed in labour can be slowed down by a stressful environment.

However, low lighting releases melatonin which works together with oxytocin to help thin and open the cervix and support contractions of the uterus.

The creation of a calm relaxing environment with these items can not only help labour to progress more naturally and effectively, but it can also reduce the risk of complications.

Two bereavement suites

Funded by University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, the SPRING service has provided support to parents and relatives who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy, at, or just after birth since 1998. This includes miscarriage, stillbirth and termination for foetal abnormality. The aim of SPRING is to support parents through grief at the point of loss, delivery and beyond.

Currently at St Mary’s at the Poole Hospital site, there are two dedicated bereavement suites to provide a more private space away from the main labour wards. These will also be at the new maternity unit in the BEACH building but as part of The BEACH Appeal, we are also raising funds to provide the finishing touches in these two bereavement suites to make the rooms a little more tranquil and as comfortable as possible during this difficult time.

Christine Smith, Senior Maternity Matron

The SPRING Suites in maternity are a much-needed space for families experiencing baby loss. We look after families and their babies when there is sadness and loss instead of happiness. The area is close to our clinical areas enabling safe care whilst maintaining a calm space supporting families to make precious memories at a time of great sadness.

Will you help support our maternity patients today?