The New Forest Birth Centre is based at Ashurst on the edge of the New Forest. Experienced midwives and trained support staff provide care before, during and after labour.
Facilities include two birthing rooms, both with pools. There are seven postnatal beds, and staff offer support with breastfeeding and parenting skills. Women do not need to live locally to use this Birth Centre. If a woman or her baby needs to see a doctor at any time (including needing an epidural), or the labour is not progressing as expected, they will be transferred to the Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, by ambulance.
There is no A&E facility at New Forest Birth Centre. The nearest Emergency Department is at Southampton General Hospital.
