Trowbridge Birthing Centre is encouraging pregnant mothers to consider having water births as it could help with the development of their child.

The unit, based at Trowbridge Community Hospital, welcomed mothers and their children who have been born in the water to the hospital as well as representatives from children’s swim group, Water Babies, on Monday.

Trowbridge Birthing Centre matron Beryl Orchard said: “We know that relaxing in the water is very helpful for mothers in labour and would encourage all pregnant women to consider it.

“They say babies born in water, develop the ability to swim earlier as they are more comfortable in water.”

During their visit to the centre, Water Babies gave midwives two pictures of children underwater to put up at the unit.

Mrs Orchard said: “We have been improving the birth environment recently, we’ve got a new birthing couch, bean bags and birthing balls and these kindly donated pictures will decorate the area perfectly.”

Water Babies run around 20 classes across Wiltshire which are suitable for children aged three months up to 4-years-old.

Claire Southworth, director of Water Babies Wiltshire, said: “We have a really close link with the birthing unit and are happy to support them. It is also nice to have some of the babies born at the water birthing unit at the hospital here today.”

For more information about Water Babies call 01793 337118 or visit www.waterbabies.co.uk/local/wiltshire.