Midwifery-Led Unit (MLU)

The Midwifery-Led Unit (MLU) is a short-stay birthing centre which is a relaxed environment close to the hospital with midwives and clinical support workers always on shift.

The MLU offers a variety of facilities in a modern and comfortable setting including:

  • Three birth rooms – each with a birthing pool
  • En-suite facilities
  • Birthing balls
  • Birthing stools
  • Double beds (allowing partners to stay)

Please note that no catering is provided onsite. A kitchen is available with tea and coffee making facilities and a microwave. Light snacks are available but please bring your own meals. A maximum of three birth partners are allowed.

Community Hub

A number of post natal clinics are run every day.

Newborn screening

At day five everyone is offered an appointment to attend for the new born screening test (heal prick test). Your midwife will tell you more about this beforehand.

Reflexology

Free reflexology sessions are avaiable every Friday all day – via prearranged appointment. Complementary therapy is used as a natural method of inducing labour. You may be offered this after your due date – speak to your Community Midwife.

Hypnobirthing

Available Thursdays between 6.30 – 9pm. Hypnobirthing is a relaxation technique that can help to keep you calm and relaxed during your childbirth experience. This is offered in three 2.5 hour sessions run by a midwife. This service costs £40 and is payable to General Office (route 136 at Walsalll Manor Hospital. Payment can be made over the phone 01922 721172 ext 6207). An additional charge would be payable to The Wise Hippo company who are providers of the course materials. All information regarding this payment will be given when you book the course. Courses are booked via the MLU.

Antenatal care

Antenatal care from the Wyndlow team is offered here – some women may be eligible for referral to the Wyndlow team. Your midwife will discuss this with you.

Parent education classes

Free parent education classes are available on Thursday afternoons between 1 – 3pm. Those interested would only need to attend one class. You will be offered a birth preparation session. This consists of how to pack your bag, signs of labour, pain relief options and other relevant information. You will be encouraged to ask questions. This is a group class which could have more than ten attendees. Partners are encouraged to attend but this is limited to the woman plus one. There is also an infant feeding session which runs the third Thursday of the month – this again only needs ot be attended once but this is in addition to the parent class. You are welcome to attend one session or both. Both sessions need to be booked in advance through the Community Midwives office on 01922 656248 (Lines open 1pm – 4.30pm).

Gallery

Services timetable

Day Service
Monday Newborn Screening Test (NST) 9.30am – 4.30pm
The health professional will prick the baby’s heel using a special device to collect blood onto a card to find out if the baby has any rare but serious health conditions. Early treatment can improve baby’s health. This is booked by the community Midwife when you first see at home following the birth.
Tuesday

Newborn Screening Test (NST) 9.30am – 4.30pm
The health professional will prick the baby’s heel using a special device to collect blood onto a card to find out if the baby has any rare but serious health conditions. Early treatment can improve baby’s health. This is booked by the community Midwife when you first see at home following the birth.

Early Bird Clinic Tuesdays – 9.30am – 4.30pm
Your GP shall notify the Early Bird team. The team will then phone you to attend the Early Bird Clinic before see your community midwife. At the clinic the team will obtain all booking information ie dates & Gestation, demographics, observations, discuss diet ,vitamins. Provide screening leaflets, Bounty pack and explain the App leaflet.
Wednesday

Newborn Screening Test (NST) 9.30am – 4.30pm
The health professional will prick the baby’s heel using a special device to collect blood onto a card to find out if the baby has any rare but serious health conditions. Early treatment can improve baby’s health. This is booked by the community Midwife when you first see at home following the birth.

WYNDLOW Team – Continuity of Carer 9.30am – 4.30pm
Run by a team of Midwives. You will be allocated one main midwife, the opportunity to meet the team and therefore know the midwife who is likely to be there for the birth. If you are low risk and suitable to deliver your baby on the MLU, your Community Midwife shall referrer you to the WYNDLOW team
Thursday

Newborn Screening Test (NST) 9.30am – 4.30pm
The health professional will prick the baby’s heel using a special device to collect blood onto a card to find out if the baby has any rare but serious health conditions. Early treatment can improve baby’s health. This is booked by the community Midwife when you first see at home following the birth.

WYNDLOW Team – Continuity of Carer 9.30am – 4.30pm
Run by a team of Midwives. You will be allocated one main midwife, the opportunity to meet the team and therefore know the midwife who is likely to be there for the birth. If you are low risk and suitable to deliver your baby on the MLU, your Community Midwife shall referrer you to the WYNDLOW team.

Parent Education Classes 1pm – 3pm
Booked via MLU or Community Office first 3 Thursdays of the month. The first 2 weeks covers Labour and Birth, the 3rd week covers infant feeding. This can be booked through your community midwife, the MLU or the Community Office.

Hypnobirthing 6.30pm – 9pm
A two to three week session teaching the Wise Hippo Birthing Programme. You can book onto the programme by contacting the MLU or Community Midwife office.
Friday

Newborn Screening Test (NST) 9.30am – 4.30pm
The health professional will prick the baby’s heel using a special device to collect blood onto a card to find out if the baby has any rare but serious health conditions. Early treatment can improve baby’s health. This is booked by the community Midwife when you first see at home following the birth.

Reflexology and membrane sweep 9.30am – 4.30pm 
Booked by your Community Midwife post the due date of delivery.
Saturday

Newborn Screening Test (NST) 9.30am – 4.30pm
The health professional will prick the baby’s heel using a special device to collect blood onto a card to find out if the baby has any rare but serious health conditions. Early treatment can improve baby’s health. This is booked by the community Midwife when you first see at home following the birth.

HIPS (Health in Pregnancy Service) 10am – 12noon
The HIPs team will meet you when you attend the Antenatal Clinic for your scans. They can book you onto the parent education course.
Sunday Newborn Screening Test (NST) 9.30am – 4.30pm
The health professional will prick the baby’s heel using a special device to collect blood onto a card to find out if the baby has any rare but serious health conditions. Early treatment can improve baby’s health. This is booked by the community Midwife when you first see at home following the birth.

Hours of operation

The MLU is currently open Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.

Location and contact information

Maternity Led Unit
Charles Street
Walsall
West Midlands
WS2 9LZ

Limited free on-site and on-street parking is available, alongside pay and display car parking within a short walking distance.

Service leads

Carol King-Stephens, Community Midwife/Centre Manager
Kate Horton, Matron

Tel: 01922 605421 / 01922 605422

How to access this service

Referrals are accepted via a midwife or other Walsall Healthcare professional.