MATERNITY staff welcomed back some familiar wee faces and their parents for a special reunion to celebrate all the babies born at Inverclyde Royal.

Greenock Telegraph: Babies born in Inverclyde invited back to community midwife unit for reunion

The community midwife unit recently unveiled a new wall display as they highlight the full care available for local pregnant mums on their doorstep.

It was part of an event to launch an additional new service, a parent education class, which prepares mums and dads for a whole new world.

Among those coming along to meet up with the CMU midwives again was little six month old Zara McKellar.

Her mum Ashleigh MacLachlan, 28, from Greenock, said: "It was lovely to be back to be back and see everyone.

"We had such a positive experience here in the community midwife unit. It was so calm and relaxing, the midwives couldn't do enough for us.

"I am so happy we chose this pathway. You really get the very best of care, it is one-to-one, I think it is the best you can get.

"We were back home together as a family four hours later.

"I know it is not possible for everyone to give birth here, but honestly if you get the chance, you should take it.

"Zara is a great wee baby, she is so happy all time and we love going to all the baby classes like sensory and bookbug together. "

Zara's proud dad Liam McKellar, 34, a local fireman, added: "It was one of my colleagues who got us thinking about the CMU. His wee baby was born here a year ago, It was the best decision for us all.

"The staff were amazing."

The family have donated their first portrait of Zara to the CMU and she will now feature on the waiting room wall along with other babies born there, including Luke Millar, now three, and Sophie Atkinson, 10.

Greenock Telegraph: Babies born in Inverclyde invited back to community midwife unit for reunion

Luke's mum Monica, a nurse from Port Glasgow, who also has an older son, Blair, four, said: "The CMU was a really good experience for us, it was so personal and we got to know the midwives really well."

Inverclyde Royal health care support worker Lynsey Atkinson had her oldest Sophie, in the community midwife unit.

Greenock Telegraph: Babies born in Inverclyde invited back to community midwife unit for reunion

The mum-of-three, who has two other children Chloe, eight, and Jacob, five, said: "It is a special place to have your baby."

Senior charge midwife Clare Monaghan is delighted that local families are helping to raise the profile of the unit.

Claire said: "It is lovely to have these portraits donated and they will take pride of place in our waiting room for everyone to see.

"We can meet the needs of pregnant mums at all stages and we get to know them all so well.

"We have all our pre-natal care here and our midwives then go out to see our mums. It is very special when they deliver here and we are also delighted to have our new parents' classes starting as well."