Bronte Birth Centre celebrates 100th water birth since reopening

A birth room featuring a birth pool, comfy seating and mood lights

Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust is celebrating a special milestone as Bronte Birth Centre marks its 100th water birth since reopening last year.

Safiyah, the 100th baby, was welcomed by parents Ilyas and Rokeya Chenia from Dewsbury, who chose the centre for its calm, home-from-home environment and the option of a water birth.

Bronte Birth Centre, situated within the grounds of Dewsbury and District Hospital, provides midwife-led care in a tranquil environment that supports women and birthing people to feel relaxed and in control of their birthing experience. The birth centre offers several spacious birthing rooms, two of which include birthing pools and have been highly praised by families who have used the facility.

Rokeya said: “It feels really special for Safiyah to be the 100th water birth. I chose Bronte Birth Centre because I wanted a calm, comforting environment. I had my second son, Isak - who is now seven - at Bronte in 2018, also in water, so I knew it was exactly what I wanted again. I also have a nine-year-old, Adam.

"My experience both times was really good. This time, my midwife, Kai, was amazing and explained everything to me. I was kept informed throughout and able to make choices that felt right for me.

"I would definitely recommend Bronte Birth Centre. I think some people feel unsure because there isn’t a doctor on-site, but if you’re low-risk, it’s absolutely worth considering.”

Faye Wells, Bronte Birth Centre's manager added: “Reaching our 100th water birth is a wonderful achievement for Bronte Birth Centre and a real testament to the skill and dedication of our midwives. Water birth can offer a calm, gentle, and empowering experience for many women, and we are delighted that families are choosing Bronte for their birth journey. We are especially grateful to Rokeya and Ilyas for allowing us to celebrate this milestone with them.”

Bronte Birth Centre is open to women and birthing people with low-risk pregnancies who would like a natural birth in a supportive, relaxed environment, with or without the option of water.

Families wishing to learn more about Bronte Birth Centre can speak to their community midwife, arrange a tour by calling 01924 319152, or explore the centre from home via a virtual tour video showcasing the warm, welcoming environment of this freestanding, midwife-led unit.

For more information or to watch the video, visit: www.midyorks.nhs.uk/your-birth