A HOME-BIRTH team is celebrating 10 years in operation – helping deliver more than 1,000 little ones across the Vale and beyond.

Dorset County Hospital’s (DCH) Cygnet Homebirth Team – part of the Maternity Service – has celebrated its landmark anniversary, having been launched in June 2015.

To celebrate their birthday, the team held a party at Stratton Village Hall and were joined by many of the families they have supported over the years for afternoon tea, cake and games.

Head of midwifery and neonatal service at DCH, Lindsey Burningham, said: “We are so proud of everything the team has achieved over the last ten years. They are incredibly dedicated and passionate about supporting women who choose homebirth.”

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Cygnet Homebirth Team lead, midwife Karen Myers, added: “It is a privilege to be welcomed into a family’s home during labour and birth, and to also see partners and children be involved.

“We wanted to celebrate our birthday with the families we have supported over the years, and we were delighted that so many were able to join us to mark this milestone.”

Anyone considering a homebirth and would like more information can contact the Cygnet Homebirth Team on 01305 253169 or email homebirth@dchft.nhs.uk.

Members of the Cygnet Homebirth Team have helped deliver more than 1,000 babies