Emily was given the birthing couch by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), the UK’s largest parenting charity, to donate to the Whittington as a “thank you” for her work as Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Maternity Services.

Nearly five thousand mothers a year give birth at the Whittington, and in 2009 the hospital opened a new birthing centre so that expectant mothers could have their babies in a low key and relaxed environment.

Emily’s donation of the birthing couch will allow those mothers with higher risk pregnancies who can’t use the birthing centre, the opportunity to have as normal a birth as possible.

Emily said:

“I’m pleased to say that at my age I’m unlikely to need to use this bed myself, but I’m very proud to donate this birthing couch to the Whittington, which will help other Islington mothers have a normal active birth. I’m now a Shadow Health Minister, and I will keep campaigning for the best maternity care.”

Andrew Sharp, NCT’s Senior Political Advisor said:

“We are delighted the Bradbury birthing couch has found a home at the Whittington Hospital. As Chair of the APPG for Maternity, Emily worked continuously to improve maternity services for women and families.