MTW Maternity

23/03/2026

We’re sorry that the Newborn Café on 24th March has had to be cancelled. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you to a future session 💙

23/03/2026

We’re really pleased to support the work of dadspaceuk in promoting fathers’ wellbeing. If you’re a local dad, or know someone who is, these free, informal meet-ups provide a valuable opportunity to connect with others.💙

Follow the link below to book tickets 👍

20/03/2026

🌸 Feedback Friday 🌸

We love hearing from the amazing families we’ve had the privilege to support during their journey 💕

Thank you to Jade who sent this lovely feedback, congratulations on the births of Maverick and Baxter.

"My first birth I went in for a 41 week scan on Tuesday 17th September but I had already been contracting 24 hours with no progress. I was booked in for an induction that evening which I was amazed over! I arrived at the antenatal ward and the midwives were amazing and very supportive. Wednesday 18th I got moved to delivery around 3pm after the contractions became too much and I needed an epidural. Everything was done so quickly, I had the epidural within 20 mins of being in the delivery room and was able to rest!

Once I had reached 10cm my son was a little pickle and turned so he was back to back, the doctor was so calm and explained that we needed to use forces and if they couldn't get him out it would have to be a C-Section.
Luckily after 2 pulls and a lot of hard pushing Maverick was born at 06.38am on Wednesday 19th September.

We had to stay on the postnatal ward whilst we waited for a scan for Maverick but we were very looked after by the staff. We were finally discharged on Monday 23rd September.

14 months later we then were booked in for an induction on 28th November 2025 due to my second son dropping to the 10th centile. We came in that morning and started the induction process, contraction started but they were bearable.
Unfortunately, the delivery ward was so busy and not enough midwives so we weren't able to be moved to pop my waters. The midwives and staff on the antenatal ward were amazing though and kept us up to date and reassured us we weren't forgotten about. On Monday 1st December at 12 the doctor finally came in and said we can pop your waters, I was moved to delivery at 1pm and at 1.30 my waters were broken. Shortly after my contractions ramped up and were coming thick and fast, I was bouncing on my ball and using the TENS machine but decided I needed something more. My midwife was amazing and quickly got the gas and air going for me! 30 mins after being on the gas and air I told my partner I wanted the epidural as they were almost back to back. We called in our midwife and told her I wanted the epidural. At this point I was using the gas and air too much and wasn't listening to anyone... my midwife was stern with me and told me to listen to her (apart from my partner, she was the rock I need) just as she was about to check me I said "I need to push" 5 or 6 pushes later Baxter was born at 16:56pm on Monday 1st December. We were discharged the following day!

Both my births were so different but the staff on antenatal, delivery and postnatal were amazing, caring, funny, happy, smiley and just all round great! We couldn't of done both our births without them.

Pictures of Maverick (blue hat and a cable on his arm and sleeping in a blue baby grow)
Pictures of Baxter (blue hat with hands on face and sleeping under his blanket)"

💌 Have you recently experienced our maternity services? Share your story with us - mtw-tr.positivebirths@nhs.net

18/03/2026

🔬 Research Wednesday 🔬

Did you know we’re a research-active Trust?

Help us understand whether women with arthritis should continue or stop taking their biologic medication throughout pregnancy.

🤰 Are you pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

Do you have arthritis which is being treated with a biologic?

🔊 We would love to tell you more about !

More information including how you can be involved email: 📧 mtw-tr.maternity-research@nhs.net

18/03/2026

Following the meningitis outbreak in east Kent, a UK Health Security Agency patient helpline is open 9am to 5pm.

📞 0344 225 3861

The helpline is for patients with no symptoms but who are concerned they have been in contact with a confirmed case, and for general enquiries.

⚠️ Know the symptoms of meningitis and seek urgent medical help if you feel unwell.

More information is available from NHS Kent and Medway at www.kmhealthandcare.uk

17/03/2026

You can find more information about the current meningitis situation in Canterbury here: https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/meningitis-information
For any clinical concerns, contact Maternity Triage on 01892 633500.

Updates and information on the meningitis outbreak in the Canterbury area.

16/03/2026

💼 It’s a good idea to have your hospital bag packed at least three weeks before your due date, in case your baby decides to make an early appearance.

But what do you need to bring with you?

📋 A handy list of what to pack for you, your baby and suggestions for your birth partner is on the NHS Start For Life website.

Visit: https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/preparing-for-labour-and-birth/hospital-bag-checklist/

15/03/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums, grandmothers, and mother figures in our communities. 💐🌈

Across our maternity services, we are honoured to witness the very first moments of motherhood every day - the love, strength and dedication that begins from the moment a baby arrives and continues through every stage of life.

Today also brings mixed emotions for some. To those remembering a loved one or experiencing a difficult journey - you are in our thoughts today. 💙

A special thank you to all the amazing NHS mums and maternity staff working today, supporting families and caring for others when they need it most. 👏

However you are spending today, we wish you a gentle and happy Mother’s Day. 🌸

14/03/2026

If you’re pregnant and need to speak to someone about your pregnancy or labour, your midwife will be able to answer most of your questions.

📲 If you have an urgent clinical concern, call our maternity triage team on 01892 633500 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

📞 For non-urgent clinical enquiries, contact our midwifery liaison office on 01892 638158 or 01892 633488.

🤰 The ultrasound department can be contacted on 01892 633043 for Tunbridge Wells Hospital or 01622 224241 for Maidstone Hospital.

🧑‍🍼 If you’d like to speak to the team at Maidstone Birth Centre call 01622 220161

13/03/2026

🌸 Feedback Friday 🌸

We love hearing from the amazing families we’ve had the privilege to support during their journey 💕

Thank you to Emily who sent this lovely feedback, congratulations on the birth of baby Carter

"I recently gave birth to my beautiful baby boy, Carter John Peter Thompson, on 30th October 2025, weighing 8lb 6oz, at Maidstone Birth Centre and I honestly couldn’t have wished for a better experience.

This is my second child, and once again the care we received was absolutely outstanding. From the moment we arrived, the midwives and staff were kind, calm, and incredibly supportive. They made me feel safe, listened to, and fully involved in every decision. Their reassurance and professionalism helped make what can be an overwhelming experience feel positive and empowering.

The birthing centre itself was welcoming, comfortable, and such a lovely environment to bring our baby into the world. Every member of staff we met was compassionate and attentive, and we felt genuinely cared for throughout.

We are now home as a family of four, and Brooke is a very proud big sister. Thank you for helping us welcome Carter into the world in such a special way. We will always be so grateful for the amazing care we received."

💌 Have you recently experienced our maternity services? Share your story with us - mtw-tr.positivebirths@nhs.net

12/03/2026