Aromatherapy Clinic
The Midwife Led Unit can offer appointments for those women with pregnancies 40 weeks gestation and over who are planning to birth on the Midwifery Led Unit. The blend of oils used helps to relax the body, which in turn may increase your oxytocin levels and encourage the uterus to start contractions.
Appointments last for 30 minutes and include an aromatherapy treatment such as a footbath or massage, you will also be offered a membrane sweep. We will provide a small amount of the essential oil blend for you to use at home.
Your Community Midwife will talk to you towards the end of your pregnancy about when it is suitable for you to attend the aromatherapy clinic.
Please contact MLU on 01270 278063 to request an appointment.
Giving Birth on the Midwifery Led Unit (MLU)
The MLU is a small birth centre at Leighton Hospital, run by Midwives.
There are 3 ensuite birthing rooms, all of which have a birthing pool. All rooms are decorated to have a modern, relaxing, homely feel. Mood lighting is available in each room that can be controlled by you.
All rooms have patio doors with access to an outdoor courtyard. Birthing balls, bean bags and other birthing aids are available. There is a shared kitchen where you can prepare your own refreshments and snacks.
Although no Doctors work on the MLU, it is located near the Labour Ward where there are Doctors and facilities available if complications occur.
Birth Preparation classes are available if you are planning to birth on the Midwifery Led Unit. These are particularly beneficial if you are having your first baby.
What pain relief is available in the MLU?
Hydrotherapy (water birth)- Alternative positions using the birthing balls, mats, and beanbags
- TENS
- Entonox (gas and air)
- Pethidine or Diamorphine injections
- Midwives can support you if you have chosen to hypnobirth
- Aromatherapy and other complementary techniques can be provided on the MLU by Midwives.
Following Birth in the MLU
When you have had your baby you should be able to go home a couple of hours after birth. The Midwife will check that you and your baby are both well, and that you are happy with feeding and caring for your baby.
Once both you and the Midwife are happy they will provide you with information about how to contact someone if you are concerned once you have gone home. The Community Midwife will usually visit you the next day, unless you have an additional appointment at the hospital. The Community Midwife will then arrange further visits at home as required.
For more information about after the birth of your baby follow the link below:
If you need to stay in hospital for any reason you will be transferred to the Postnatal Ward (Ward 23). If necessary, you will normally be transferred to the Postnatal Ward (Ward 23) within a couple of hours. We encourage all parents to keep their babies warm during transfer to the Postnatal Ward by keeping their baby in skin-to-skin contact. This has been shown to promote mother and infant bonding, as well as reducing the incidence of babies becoming cold and possibly requiring admission to the Neonatal Unit.
The length of stay on the Postnatal Ward would be dependent upon the reason for admission. You will be discharged home from hospital when you and your baby are well.
