Special milestone for Neath Port Talbot birth centre with arrival of baby Abigail
The service had been temporarily suspended for three years because of staffing pressures.
Fortunately, it was reopened in September 2024 thanks to a £750,000 investment by the health board and the recruitment of an additional 35 new staff to its maternity service.
Now, baby Abigail has became the 100th baby to be born there since the autumn after her mum, Agne Haue, chose to give birth in the centre last week.
Agne, who lives in Neath but is originally from Germany, said: “It was a really uncomplicated, straightforward birth, that happened really fast.
“I was looking forward to using the birthing pool but she decided to come way quicker than we expected.
“I went into labour at 11.30am, on 23rd April, and she arrived at 2.23pm.
“We went home the same day. It was uncomplicated and easy going. No complications at all.”
Agne, who was accompanied by her partner James, was full of praise for the staff.
She said: “Everything was amazing. The staff were warm, nice and welcoming. There’s nothing negative to say. Everything was just great. I couldn’t have expected it better.”
Agne was supported by midwife Julie Jones who also assisted the first arrival at the birth centre since its reopening.
Agne said: “She weighed 6lbs 12 ounces. They said that’s a good weight but to me she is a tiny, small baby.
“They called me two days later and said, ‘Congratulations you’re the hundredth!’ It’s a good achievement. We’re really happy about it.
“I would love to see the birthing centre thrive. That’s why we are sharing our story. I had such a good experience. I really wish that many other women are able to do the same in the future.”
Kathryn Greaves, Clinical Director of Midwifery in Neath Port Talbot, welcomed the latest milestone and said:
“Celebrating the 100th baby is a celebration for every baby born at the Birth Centre since its re-opening in September last year. This signifies the importance that the service has for our families and communities.
“Every birth at Swansea Bay is important to our teams and our families, celebrating the return of our Birth Centre and Home Birth services is important in celebrating the successful return of all birth choices for women and families.”
Head Midwife, Cath Harris, added:
“It is with great pleasure that we celebrate our 100th birth, with the arrival of a beautiful baby girl born on the 23rd April 2025, since reopening our services in Neath Port Talbot Birth Centre in September 2024.
“A huge Congratulations to her mum and dad.”
The newly relaunched service didn’t have to wait long for its first arrival with Rafaellos Olding arriving less than 24 hours later at 3.50am on Tuesday, 17th September, 2024, weighing a healthy 8lbs 1oz.
Proud parents Isabella and Isaac Olding, from Morriston, were delighted that Rafaellos had held on for nine days past his due date so they could use the birthing pool in the refurbished facility.
[Lead image: Swansea Bay University Health Board]
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