Birth centre artwork is picture perfect for midwives and mums-to-be

A £15,000 project which has seen the walls of Neath Port Talbot Hospital’s Birth Centre decorated with beautiful artwork has been given a big thumbs-up by mums-to-be and midwives.

The project, funded by the Arts Council of Wales, involved commissioning an artist to work closely with midwives to create a calming environment, using images of the natural world, muted colours and inspiring messages.

Work began in 2023 when artists were invited to submit proposals. Dr Tracy Breathnach from Wales Arts Health and Wellbeing Network led the project, speaking to 25 midwives to gain a better understanding of their work and what ideas they had to adorn the space.

Once the successful artist was identified in March last year, the work was completed in time for the reopening of the birth centre last autumn.

Services at the centre were suspended in September 2021 due to the challenges of the pandemic and staffing pressures, leaving women without the option of giving birth in a freestanding, midwife-led unit.

But following a £750,000 health board investment the birth centre is now as busy as ever again and the artwork has really helped make the reopening even more special.

Dr Sarah Norris, Swansea Bay’s workforce transformation midwife, said: “During the time I had to think about birth again in a midwifery-led setting, I considered all the evidence around what the environment means and how it impacts women having their babies.

“It is well documented that a quiet and a very relaxing space, supported by colours and suitable lighting, can really enhance a woman’s birth experience, not just psychologically but in terms of outcomes.”

One of the key hormones involved in labour is oxytocin, and the body is known to be more likely to produce oxytocin in dark, quiet and reassuring environments. 

“So the right setting has a really positive impact on outcomes and a woman’s ability to birth,” added Dr Norris.

Bill Taylor-Beales, a professional artist for more than 30 years who has worked on numerous social engagement projects around the world, won the commission despite stiff competition after submitting ideas that really struck a chord with Swansea Bay midwifes.

Bill then held a series of workshops and planning sessions before final images were agreed upon.

Consultant midwife Victoria Owens said: “We applied to the Arts Council for a grant. It approved our application and then put the project out to tender.

“We had lots of applications which we sifted through. We decided on the one artist who we felt really captured the essence of midwifery, the environment and the experiences of women.

“This was Bill Taylor-Beales. Bill inspired us with his application video which captured our philosophy so well. We were just so excited to get the opportunity to bring ideas to life on the walls of our birth centre!

“Bill then ran the workshops with the midwives, and I think they found it quite cathartic to be able to help to prepare the centre and our teams to welcome women and their families back.

“Having the birth centre open again is a really great thing for our community. We are lucky to have the facilities to offer truly family-centred care, including private postnatal rooms with double beds, where families can remain together during their stay.”

The Arts Council of Wales charted the project’s progress in a short film, entitled a Space for Birth.

Community midwife Anastasia Allen-Kormylo added: “I think the artwork is all about inspiration and hope when you’re feeling vulnerable and lost. It’s about a reminder that so many other woman have been there before you and you can do this, too.”