BOLTON is one of the safest places in the country to give birth, according to new figures.
The Royal Bolton Hospital has one of the lowest Caesarean birth rates in the country, with 17 per cent of mums undergoing surgery -- compared with 60 per cent in East Surrey.
Bolton's Princess Anne Maternity Unit also has one of the highest levels of midwives per birth, supporting the theory that if women in labour feel more confident and need less medical intervention if a midwife is with them.
The figures, released by The Sunday Times, show Bolton is fifth in the region with its epidural rate, at 18.8 per cent.
Gail Naylor, head of midwifery at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said: "The figures reflect well on the unit. We ensure every woman has a midwife throughout her birth.
"There is research to suggest this provides the best physiological support for the woman meaning she needs less medical intervention.
"We also have a very low epidural rate, which shows women are feeling more confident during childbirth."
Bolton uses teams of midwives to carry out regular check-ups during pregnancy.
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