The Jane Crookall Maternity Unit (JCMU) at Noble's Hospital is introducing a new initiative on 29 May 2013 to promote and educate pregnant women about the stages of labour and birth - the ‘TT circuit for Labour and Birth’.
 
The ‘TT Circuit for Labour and Birth’ is portrayed as a journey around the TT course using the TT landmarks to describe the normal process of labour and childbirth and will be widely available to all expectant parents during the antenatal period. The purpose of the pathway is to equip women with the resources they need to get the very best out of their bodies during labour. The progress of normal labour is dependent on a few simple facts, pregnant women need fuel to create energy, the right environment so that the woman feels safe and secure, and they need to feel supported.
Member for Health Services, Dudley Butt MLC said: “I would like to congratulate the midwives for this initiative which will help to explain the process of labour and childbirth to expectant parents in the Isle of Man with such a novel approach. The TT circuit is an exceptional, exciting journey and a massive challenge to all competitors, which is easily comparable to labour, and childbirth. Using the analogy is a unique and relevant way for our midwives to illustrate the stages of labour and birth to pregnant women and their families on the Island.”
 
Jane Sloane, Head of Midwifery said: “Our midwives came together to form the ‘Normality Group’ to look at ways of promoting and educating expectant parents about the natural pathway for labour and childbirth. The group have worked extremely hard to produce this innovative piece of work and I look forward to families across the Island embracing it. I am delighted to be able to launch this pathway during the 2013 TT Festival and would like to thank the TT organisers for supporting this venture with such enthusiasm.”
 
Shelagh Leonard, Acting Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Therapies said: “At Noble’s Hospital we are always looking for new and interesting ways to improve the care we give our patients and families.  This is a new and exciting initiative will help us to ensure that new parents are as well prepared as possible during pregnancy for their labour and the birth of their child.”