NHS Borders has reported that 71 children were born in the Borders General Hospital in April 2022.

Of that number 36 were boys and 35 were girls. There were three water births and four home births.100% of the births were ‘skin to skin’ whilst 82% of mothers breastfed from birth. 56 deliveries were vaginal and 15 were caesarean.

Newly qualified midwife Jen said: “The past few years have been particularly challenging due to Covid-19 and I am extremely proud to have began working for the NHS during such unprecedented times. Despite these added pressures, our midwives have continued to deliver the best care possible to the women and babies of the Borders.

“We have worked hard to introduce new and innovative of improving our service, and by promoting choice more women are opting for home births or early discharge from hospital following their births. These have enhanced the family centred care which helps nurture and build close loving relationships between new parents and their babies.”

One mother posted on the Care Opinion online platform.

“I gave birth at the Borders General Hospital to my first child in 2020 and my second child last week. Both labour experiences were good and I felt very safe and supported the whole time.

“I was only in the hospital for four hours before the arrival of my first baby in 2020 and only 12-minutes before the arrival of my second baby last week but the midwives were great on both occasions.

“On both occasions I had junior midwives present as well as more experienced midwives and I felt that both made a great job and listened to what I wanted and made me feel relaxed.

Border Telegraph: NHS Borders

“Despite Covid restrictions making their job all the more difficult, I always felt that me and both my babies were in the most capable hands and that nothing we needed or asked for was too much.

“I cannot thank them enough for helping bring my children into the world safely and look forward to going back for baby number three one day.”