Increasing numbers of expectant mothers are choosing a hospital in Braintree as their place of choice to give birth.

Figures released by the Mid Essex Hospital Trust show 36 babies have been delivered by the team at the WJC Birthing Centre in Chadwick Drive since January 1 - an increase of 20 per cent compared to last year.

January was by far the busiest month for the team of 15 midwives and seven maternity care assistants, as they helped oversee the birth of 23 newborns.

Several families have since returned to the birth centre to show off their new additions and thank staff for their help.

Midwife Lindsay Hellier said: “We’re a really friendly and supportive team and it was great that so many of the parents came back to see us. Their children are all beautiful and everyone is doing so well.

“September is usually our busiest month after Christmas conceptions but we’ve had a growing number of women choosing to have their babies here. It’s a really calm, relaxing atmosphere and the women really like it.

“As well as the births, we run antenatal and postnatal clinics. Even if women deliver at Broomfield Hospital, they can come back to us for their postnatal care and breastfeeding support.

“We work hard to make sure the women are seen by the same midwife or one of a small team throughout their pregnancy. There’s a real family feel about WJC and I’m very passionate about the service we offer here.”

The birthing centre at St Michaels Hospital specialises in low risk births and offers mums-to-be the use of birthing pools.

Patient Fawn Sterry has nothing but praise for the midwifery team after they helped her successfully deliver daughter Ember, who was the first baby born at the centre this year.

She said: "My daughter was born on New Year’s Day. It was very personal, it was quiet and I had my own big room. My waters broke and five minutes later the baby came out. I was actually sad my labour was so quick – not many women say that! It was lovely."