[A]s the NHS celebrated its 70th birthday on Thursday 5th July, Penrith couple Natalie and Michael Hodgson received a special gift of their own with the arrival baby Adeline.
Adeline Willow Hodgson was born at Penrith Birth Centre at 12.44pm on Thursday 5th July 2018, weighing 6 pounds and 10 ounces.
Natalie Hodgson, Adeline’s mum, Penrith, said: “As we were on our way to the birth centre we had the radio on in the car and it was all about the NHS turning 70! It’s really special that Adeline shares her birthday with NHS, it makes me feel very proud.
“As first time parents, my husband Michael and I didn’t know what to expect but I think you have to trust your own instincts. I had a very quick birth! Within the space of my waters breaking and Adeline arriving it was less than eight hours and we were all back home later that afternoon.
“We live in Penrith and it was great to have our baby here too, the midwives were amazing and they made the best tea and toast!”
Jane McRitchie, Lead Midwife, Penrith Birth Centre, said: “There was a great buzz on the unit that day with the NHS celebrating its 70th birthday and even more so when Adeline was born. It was a privilege to have a couple like Michael and Natalie give birth on the unit, it was a wonderful day and everyone went home on a high. It’s really lovely seeing couples come in together and then leave as a family.”
Adeline was one of seven babies born in north Cumbria on 5 July. The NHS has come a long way in the past 70 years and as advances in technology and medicine continue it is likely that these babies will see many more changes within their lifetime.
Penrith birthing centre is one of three maternity units run by North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust (NCUH). Midwifery-led units, or birthing centres, are run by midwives and provide an alternative to a hospital birth.
The Penrith unit operates 24/7, with regular opening hours from 8.30am-4.30pm. On-call midwives from community teams across the area provide an out-of-hours birthing service. Penrith Birth Centre also provides additional maternity care such as workshops covering labour, active birth, life with baby and infant feeding. As well as birthing at the unit, families can also receive antenatal and postnatal care.
Expectant parents can find out further details about Penrith Birthing Centre through their midwife or by contacting the unit directly on 01228 245558.
