Maternity 360 tour text
Welcome to our maternity department
Take a tour of the rooms and equipment
Whipps Cross birthing options
Homebirths
If you wish to birth at home, your midwife or obstetrician can refer you at any point during your pregnancy or you can self-refer by emailing the team.
Having your baby at home [doc] 2MB
Lilac birth centre
We aim to create a calm, welcoming environment for you to birth your baby.
The lilac birth centre is located on the first floor of the maternity unit. We have eight rooms and five with birthing pools.
There are monthly open days for you to view the birth centre and meet the midwives, along with active birth workshops.
Book your spot using Eventbrite
Email us for any other queries
Labour ward
Our rooms are situated on the ground floor of the maternity building. There are 10 birthing rooms, and one birthing pool. Each room has its own en suite.
We offer continuous fetal monitoring for pregnant women who require it in labour via a cardiotocography (CTG) machine. We offer the option of telemetry (cordless and waterproof transducers) so you can mobilise more freely and be immersed in water whilst having your baby’s heart rate monitored.
Elective caesarean deliveries
We have elective caesarean delivery lists on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
For most uncomplicated caesarean deliveries, you will be eligible for the enhanced recovery programme. This means that you will be given regular pain relief, and your urinary catheter will be removed in the late afternoon or evening. This gives you a greater chance of going home the next day.
Pain relief in labour
We have different Pain relief options [pdf] 779KB available.
We can discuss this with you during your pregnancy.
Birthing partners
You can have up to two birthing partners during labour and birth.
However, if you require an elective or emergency caesarean, only one birthing partner is allowed in theatres.