<p>This fundraising project has been set up by a sub-group of the Maternity Services Liaison Committee (MSLC) West Essex. The MSLC is a group of Parents, Midwives, Doctors, Supervisors of Midwives&nbsp;and Managers who meet regularly to try and improve maternity services in West Essex including the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The MSLC want women to have choices in where they give birth including water birth, We are raising money for the Birthing Unit which has just recently borrowed money to add two new fabulous pool rooms but needs to repay this loan. There are now 3 pool rooms in the birthing unit and up to half of women in the birthing unit have a water birth.</p> <p><strong><em>Why do we need funds?</em></strong></p> <p>Women who use water often find it is an effective form of pain relief. Women report they feel&nbsp;free&nbsp;to move, supported by the water and can get into some good positions for labour and birth.&nbsp;They are also less likely to have interventions in their labour and birth. The rooms are larger than a standard birthing unit and those women who&nbsp;want to&nbsp;get out of the&nbsp;water find they have more space to move around&nbsp;in labour.&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Why do women choose water birth?</strong></em></p> <p>Women say</p> <p>The water is very warm and they feel more comfortable</p> <p>It feels more private and they feel less exposed</p> <p>They feel lighter and can move more freely during labour</p> <p>The room is larger and more spacious</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you can donate you may increase the choices women have in labour and birth.&nbsp;</p>