Eastbourne Midwifery Unit (EMU) is a Midwifery Led Unit (MLU) that is staffed and run by midwives. It offers a comfortable, relaxed and low-tech environment, where birth is a normal event.
Pain relief is available at a midwifery led unit in the form of water, gas and air and Pethidine injections but not epidurals. There are no doctors available on this unit.
Midwives lead the care for women who have had a healthy, straightforward pregnancy and are at low risk of complications. If you are between the ages of 16 and 40 years old, have a healthy weight, are not anaemic, your baby is moving normally and you start your labour naturally between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, we would welcome you at EMU. We are committed to personalised care and will try to meet your wishes so far as it is safely possible. Please contact Tel: 0300 131 5342 to discuss your eligibility with one of our Midwives.
Husbands or partners are welcome to stay overnight as there are single side rooms available. Although we are not able to provide beds, we do have some comfortable recliners. We can’t offer husbands/partners food or drink, so if they intend to stay, please make sure that they bring money to use in the hospital restaurant/shops.