The Haven Birthing Suite is a midwifery-led birthing unit, providing labour and birth care to women with low-risk pregnancies.
Most of our mums stay on the Haven Suite throughout labour and birth. If you or your baby develop any complications that mean you need to be seen by a doctor, you will be transferred to the labour ward, which is University Hospitals Dorset consultant-led unit at Poole. The labour ward is just down the corridor from us – this means transfers can happen very quickly when needed, which lots of our mums find reassuring.
Who can give birth here?
Mothers who are fit and well, have no medical conditions and have a straightforward pregnancy can choose to give birth in the Haven Birthing Suite so long as they go into labour between 37+0 and 41+6 weeks.
Pain Relief Options
Birth Facilities
We do not offer epidurals as we are a midwife-led unit. If you decide during your labour that you would like an epidural, we can transfer you to the labour ward.
After the birth
Provision for partners staying overnight
Your stay after you’ve given birth
If you need additional monitoring or medical treatment, you will be transferred to the Postnatal ward. If your baby needs to be monitored or to receive medical treatment, they may be taken to the Neonatal Unit, or you may both be sent to the Transitional Care Unit.
Contact and visitor information
Contact information
Visitor information
Partners
Your own children
Friends and family
Flowers and plants are not permitted on the maternity ward.
Car parking
Women in labour
Partner and visitor
Free road parking is available in some of the surrounding streets for a limited time period.