An active birth room usually has a comfortable double bed, so the partner can relax with the labouring mum, a music centre for music of choice, and candles. Another important feature of such a room is a bath allowing for the women to have a waterbirth or simply to use it for pain relief in labour. The room should have space to allow for the labouring woman to move and adopt different positions. The use of a birthing ball, bean bag or mat is also helpful. The bottom line is that it is a space that the women will feel comfortable and relaxed in. In Cape Town we have a number of ABUs: 1. Mowbray Maternity Hospital has a separate private wing with 3 Active Birth rooms. |
