THE NUMBER of babies being born in the maternity unit at Arbroath Infirmary continues to increase.
Over the last year, there were 181 deliveries, which compares to 144 in 2007.
And that number equates to 62 per cent of local women having their babies delivered at the local facility. The remainder, who require more specialised care, go to Ninewe
lls Hospital, Dundee.
Mums to be are coming to Arbroath Infirmary from Carnoustie, Monifieth, Broughty Ferry and even Dundee.
The leader of the midwifery team at Arbroath, Sister Chris Field, said that 48 per cent of the ladies who come to Arbroath to have their babies deliver in the birthing pool. Most of the ladies use the pool at some stage but some then decide to come out and give birth in the delivery suite.
Sister Field is also happy about the way the unit's YM2B (Young Mums To Be) project is accepted by pregnant teenagers in the community.
She explained: "About 50 per cent of those we send out invitations to elect to come along to our meetings, and we consider this a very fair return.
"The project is open to anyone under 20 who is expecting a baby and provides education in a non-hospital setting."
The meetings take place in the Child and Family Centre in East Mary Street with the assistance of family support workers and health visitors.
Sister Field is also pleased at the response to the aqua natal classes held in the pool at Arbroath Sports Centre every Tuesday evening between 7.30 and 9 p.m.
