Mothers-to-be in south Oxfordshire can now deliver their children in a new birthing pool.
The £4,000 pool at Wantage Community Hospital's maternity unit was officially opened by mayor Jenny Hannaby on Monday.
She welcomed the new investment in the hospital, which could face closure as health managers are considering moving health services to a new site in Grove.
Ana Mesias, 28, an accountant from Drayton, was the first to use the pool when she gave birth to Jacob Gurl on February 20.
She said: "It was excellent. It makes the whole thing so much easier -- I'd recommend it to anyone." Fathers also have the option of joining their partners in the pool during childbirth.
The League of Friends of Wantage Hospital contributed £1,500 for the birthing pool room to be decorated.
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