A special little girl is starting her life with a milestone by being the 100th baby born at South Tyneside District Hospital’s new birthing centre.

Renesmae Jane Bain-Carr came into the world at 4.40am on Friday, January 24 weighing 6lb 15oz, delighting parents Shannon Bain and Leon Carr.

She became the 100th baby to be born at South Tyneside District Hospital’s midwifery-led birthing unit, which opened to families in the summer.

Shannon, 22, who is also mum to Crystal-Louise, aged 19 months, said: “The midwives here are very supportive and they kept me very calm.

Midwife June Greener with 100th baby, Renesmae. | Other 3rd Party

placeholder image — Midwife June Greener with 100th baby, Renesmae. | Other 3rd Party

“The atmosphere is really nice, it’s relaxing and you feel more at home and comfortable. I would definitely come back if I had another baby.

“I really wasn’t expecting to be told that Renesmae is the 100th baby to be delivered here - it was a bit of a shock. I’m just overwhelmed.”

The centre’s opening in August 2019 provided more choices for expectant mothers across South Tyneside and Sunderland as to where they want to give birth.

Women who have a low-risk pregnancy have the choice of giving birth at the new South Tyneside centre, midwifery-led care at Sunderland Royal Hospital, another maternity unit elsewhere in the region or at home.

Head of Midwifery, Sheila Ford and birthing centre manager, Jacqui Ramshaw are joined by members of the midwifery team and new mam Shannon Bain with 100th baby, Renesmae. | Other 3rd Party

While women experiencing a high risk pregnancy are advised to give birth in the consultant-led unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital, the majority of all antenatal and postnatal care continues to be provided locally in South Tyneside.

Jacqui Ramshaw, midwife and manager of the centre, celebrated the milestone on Friday.

She said: "Delivering our 100th baby is a real milestone for the midwifery-led birthing centre. Congratulations to Shannon and Leon on the birth of their baby girl.

“Despite the fact we have only been open for six months, we are seeing a lot of interest from expectant mams, especially when they come in and see the centre and speak to our midwives or hear about the experiences from other mams.

Proud parents, Shannon Bain and Leon Carr with 100th baby, Renesmae and big sister Crystal-Louise. | Other 3rd Party

“The feedback we’re getting from our new parents is overwhelmingly positive. In fact in a recent patient survey we found that 100% of women were satisfied with the care they received at the centre.

“They say they love the relaxing environment and appreciate the support and care of our midwifery team. Water births are proving particularly popular, with our number currently running at around three times the national average.”

Proud parents Shannon and Leon were presented with a letter from the Trust’s Chief Executive, Ken Bremner, congratulating them on the birth of their daughter and a commemorative hand blown glass bauble as a keepsake of the milestone birth.

Sheila Ford, Head of Midwifery for South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, also spoke of her pride in the new midwifery-led unit, and her team.