MUMS-to-be, their babies and their partners can enjoy a better birthing experience thanks to a £113,000 boost to the maternity unit at Wigan Infirmary.

Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS FT (WWL) Midwifery Matron Marie Cunliffe said: “Our Maternity Service prides itself as being a progressive forward thinking maternity unit, with staff who are committed to ensuring a fulfilling birth experience, for all families who choose to have care here.

"Therefore, we put in a bid to secure additional funding to further improve the physical environment of maternity as well as additional equipment. We recognise that supporting women and their partners in a relaxed, safe and calm environment is essential to a good birthing experience, so we are thrilled to have been successful.”

The funding will be used to make the surroundings in the birthing rooms and across the unit more comfortable with better facilities to allow women and their families to have a calm, comfortable and supportive room in which to give birth.

This means soft lighting, refreshment facilities and CD players with Ipod docking stations for each birthing room, specialist cots and beds, and reclining chairs for expectant fathers.