The new teams could help cut stress for mums-to-be

Under the present system in the central area of the county, there is strict demarcation between community and hospital midwives.

Health bosses say they hope the changes will means less stress for mums-to-be.

The new teams will be based in areas between Newquay and Truro, Falmouth, Camborne, Pool, and Redruth.

Overall, it puts mothers in control of the situation Chris Joyce, Royal Cornwall Hospital

Chris Joyce, head of midwifery at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, said about 1,200 low-risk women a year would be attended at the birth by the midwife they had got to know during their pregnancy.

She said: "All the research�that we have shows that women who are comfortable with the people that they know, who are in an environment that they have chosen to have their baby in, are much more relaxed.

"Overall, it puts them in control of the situation, rather than being dictated to by a strict regime that isn't really facilitating their choice."

Less stress, managers believe, could mean a reduction in the 60% of first-time mothers who ask for an epidural.

Chris Joyce said that in the north and east of the county health bosses would have to negotiate with midwives at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple if there were to be any changes.

In the west of the county managers hope to use the birthing unit at Helston Community Hospital more.

Managers at the Royal Cornwall Hospital insist the system is not changing to make savings as the hospitals trust is facing �31m projected deficits.