DescriptionThe Birthing Room - With Pool provides area and amenities for the entire birthing process including mother's preparation, active birthing exercises, water immersion during labour, relaxation and analgesia during labour, birthing, infant resuscitation, postnatal recovery and observation. The room includes an active birthing/bed zone, birthing pool an area to accommodate a support person, a staff observation and write up area, an infant resuscitation area, an equipment store, and a hand hygiene area with type A handwashing basin.Hours of Operation24 hoursOccupancy1 mother; 1-2 support persons; up to 4 staffAdditional ConsiderationsBirthing Pool:
~ The use of birthing pools should be based on local policies and protocols for water immersion during labour and birth.
~ Birthing pools can vary significantly in shape and the pool shown on the RLS is indicative only. Final selection may have implications for required area and clearances.
~ The birthing pool must be deep and wide enough for effective water immersion for pain relief during labour and birth.
~ Ergonomic assessment of birthing pool options should be undertaken prior to selection, including the height of the pool for mothers getting into and out of the pool, as well as access for staff assisting the mother from the side of the pool. The location of grabrails and supports, including those integral with the bath design are to be considered to support transfers without impeding access to the mother by staff.
~ Pools may be installed with steps built around them to provide easy access into the pool from a seated position. Provision of stairs is to be assessed to ensure they do not limit access with floatation transfer devices in the event of an emergency. Handrails to be provided to stairs to reduce risk of slips in wet area around the pool.
~ A ceiling mounted hoist has not been included as there are better and more timely ways to remove a mother from the birthing pool should her condition deteriorate.
~ Consideration for ready access to floatation devices for transfer from the pool is required.
~ The tapware and drain for the birthing pool are to be carefully considered. Taps need to allow the bath to be filled rapidly. Water also needs to be able to be drained quickly, preferably without needing to reach into the bath after birthing.
Other Considerations:
~ The room will have direct access to an Ensuite - Birthing.
~ Air should not be recirculated to other areas from the Birthing Room. Negative pressure air conditioning is required for clearance of anaesthetic gases.
~ Clinical items such as medical gases and services as well as neonatal resuscitation equipment may be concealed to support the provision of a calm environment. Even while concealed, items are to be within easy reach of the active birthing zone.
~ The availability of proprietary items for in-room infant resuscitation may change and this can inform the use of built in or mobile equipment. Overall dimensions and configuration of storage for the resuscitaire equipment are to be evaluated based on the selection of equipment and it is recommended that a test-fit is conducted, ensuring appropriate clearances are provided for emergency procedures to be undertaken, in order to confirm room layout requirements.
~ Equipment storage to be configured to suit service requirements including models for sharing equipment between multiple rooms.
~ Storage requirements within the room will vary between facilities depending on models of centralising or decanting and restocking consumables. Configuration and extent of storage to be determined based on service requirements.
~ Various supportive fixtures for active birthing are to be considered, for example, a wall mounted ladder, bench or mantlepiece for support and leaning, or ceiling mounted hooks for supportive fabrics to be hung. Consider mounting heights and providing support for various postures at multiple heights. A mother's entire weight may be supported on this item, therefore the strength of the item and fixings, including in-wall support, to be equivalent to heavy duty grab rails.
~ A fixed workstation for staff write-up and observation has been shown. Sufficient space for dual monitors may be provided as required to suit operational, EMR and ICT requirements. A workstation on wheels is also acceptable.
~ An examination light is required for suturing and small procedures. It is preferred that the light be as unobtrusive as possible and be able to be pushed away so that it is not dominating the area.
~ Lighting options to be provided, including dimmable room lighting, reading lights and night lights to provide flexible lighting across the space. Coloured lighting and calming light artworks may be considered by projects.
~ Systems, including portable items, to facilitate the selection and control of music by the mother are to be considered. Acoustics treatment may be required to support this without disruption to adjacent rooms.
~ Provision of a telephone for patient use will be dependent on the operational model for transferring calls.
~ Natural light and outlook essential. Window sill to be low enough to see view while laying in bed. Treatment, to windows to allow blinds to be kept open as desired but privacy to be maintained, may need to be considered depending on overlook from nearby buildings.