What’s it Like to Give Birth at Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH)?

If you’re based in Bromley, Orpington or the surrounding areas, the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) is one of the main maternity hospitals you may be considering for your maternity care. PRUH is part of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and has a well-established maternity unit with both consultant-led care and a popular midwife-led birth centre.

So, what’s it really like to give birth at PRUH? Let’s take a closer look.

The Oasis Birth Centre at PRUH

The Oasis Birth Centre is the midwife-led unit within PRUH, and it’s been designed to offer families a calm, welcoming environment that feels very different from the traditional labour ward.

Here’s what you can expect from Oasis:

• Spacious birthing rooms with ensuite bathrooms for privacy and comfort

• Dedicated birthing pools for water births — many families choose to labour or birth in the pool here

• Soft lighting and home-like touches, helping you feel more relaxed

• Birth balls, mats, stools and slings to encourage upright and active positions during labour

• Double beds in some rooms, so your birth partner can stay with you afterwards

• Hypnobirthing-friendly staff — many of the midwives are trained in, or very familiar with, Hypnobirthing techniques and are supportive of using affirmations, breathing and relaxation

The Oasis Birth Centre is a great option if you want the best of both worlds: a calm, homely setting with midwife-led care, alongside the reassurance of medical facilities being close by if needed.

Midwives Who Understand Hypnobirthing

Parents who have given birth at PRUH often say the midwives were supportive of their Hypnobirthing practice. Whether that’s dimming the lights, giving you space, or using positive language, the Oasis team are generally happy to accommodate your birth preferences and help you feel calm and in control.

If you would like to learn more about Hypnobirthing, you can attend local birth prep classes near PRUH. 

Community Midwives and Homebirth Support

PRUH also has a community midwifery team who care for families planning a homebirth in the local area. They provide antenatal and postnatal visits, and when the time comes, two experienced midwives will attend your birth at home.

Many local parents appreciate this continuity of care, especially if you’ve already built a relationship with your community midwives during pregnancy.

Birth Options Compared: Oasis Birth Centre, Labour Ward & Homebirth

When you’re weighing up where to give birth, it helps to understand the three main options PRUH offers:

Oasis Birth Centre (Midwife-Led Unit):

• Calm, homely environment with birth pools, low lighting and midwives who are supportive of physiological birth

• Many midwives trained in Hypnobirthing approaches

• Best suited for low-risk pregnancies where a natural, low-intervention birth is the goal

Labour Ward (Consultant-Led Unit):

• Located within the hospital, just alongside the Oasis Birth Centre

• Full medical team and pain relief options such as epidurals

• Recommended if you have pregnancy complications, or want immediate access to obstetric care

Homebirth with the PRUH Community Team:

• Supported by the community midwives who know you from antenatal care

• Two experienced midwives attend your birth at home

• Continuity of care and personalised support, with transfer options if needed

👉 Fortunately at PRUH you can choose what feels right for you - whether that’s the calm of the Oasis Birth Centre, the reassurance of the labour ward, or the familiarity of giving birth at home. Take time during your pregnancy to reflect on where you would feel safest and most relaxed giving birth, and talk this through with your midwife.

Birth Stories from PRUH Parents

The best way to get a sense of what it’s like at PRUH and the Oasis Birth Centre is to hear from families who’ve birthed there.

You can read real-life positive birth stories from local mums who gave birth at PRUH here

Final Thoughts

For families in Orpington, Bexley, Sidcup, Bromley and the surrounding areas, the Oasis Birth Centre at Princess Royal University Hospital offers a calm, natural-focused space for birth, with midwives who are experienced in supporting Hypnobirthing parents.

It’s a place where many have felt safe, respected and empowered - and with the right preparation, you can look forward to a positive start to your baby’s journey.

Ready to Prepare for a Positive Birth?

If you’re considering the Oasis Birth Centre or PRUH labour ward, Hypnobirthing can help you feel prepared, positive and supported.

Join my Hypnobirthing courses near Orpington and Bexley, and get ready for a calmer, more confident birth.

👉 See local Hypnobirthing classes near PRUH Orpington