Parents Jon and Catherine Spinage cradle their newborn baby – the 1,000th to be born in Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital’s Spires unit.

Little Emily Louisa became the couple’s first child when she was born weighing 5lb 7oz at 4.48am on Thursday.

She was also the 1,000th baby to be born on the ward – which has no doctors and is entirely run by midwives – since it opened on Level Seven of the Headington hospital in September 2008.

Mr and Mrs Spinage, from Bicester, spoke of their delight with the service they received at the unit.

Mrs Spinage, 32, said: “Everything went brilliantly.

“We were delighted to hear Emily was the 1,000th baby; it is a nice accolade for her. We had no idea beforehand.

“I wanted to give birth at the unit because it is very relaxing. There are also a number of options for mums, like birthing pools, exercise balls and light rooms.

“Emily is very beautiful – and we are very happy with everything.”

Proud father Mr Spires, 33, said: “As a dad I found it really relaxing, and I felt part of the whole process.

“It is a positive place to be and we are grateful for all the help we have received.”

The unit was designed as a ‘half-way house’ between home and hospital deliveries.

Many women who are regarded as low risk choose midwifery-led units because they offer a less clinical environment. If there are complications, women can be transferred to obstetric care within the hospital’s Women’s Centre.

First time parents Kim and Katherine Randell, from New Hinksey, Oxford, are also celebrating following the birth of their son Damian. He became the unit’s 1,001st baby when he was born on Thursday, weighing 7lb 15 1/2 oz.

Mrs Randell, 27, said: “My mum flew in from the States as I was giving birth and, like us, she has been really impressed by how relaxed and comfortable this unit is.”

Midwife Sue Channell said the unit offered mums an alternative.

She said: “Midwives can offer mothers advice over the phone beforehand, and we like to make sure they are entirely prepared by the time they come in. There is no clinical atmosphere and many women find that more comfortable.

“We can offer all pain relief apart from epidurals. And, of course, we are right on top of a consultant-led maternity hospital, so if there are any complications we can get women there very quickly”.

Due to the popularity of its birthing pool, the Spires is fundraising for a second to be installed in the sensory room.

Mrs Channell added: “That would give more mums more choice.

“At the moment it can be a bit of a juggling act. It would be brilliant if we could raise the money for a new pool.”

To donate to the birthing pool fund, send cheques payable to ‘spires birthing pool 0547’ to Spires Unit, Level 7, The Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU.