Babies of the Macleay aims to deliver beautiful, modern birthing suites for local families.

The hospital will spend $325,000 on the construction project, and the midwives are hoping the community will help raise the extra funds to create a calm, home-like atmosphere in the new suites.

The campaign will be launched on International Day of the Midwife on 5 May with a market day on the grounds of the hospital.

Two of the Macleay's favourite musicians, Delma and Chris Haigh, will perform from 10am to 1pm and there will be plenty of stalls offering everything from handmade craft items to scrumptious cakes and sweets, a jumping castle and face painting for youngsters and much, much more.

Midwifery Unit Manager Gail Saul said the refurbishment project was exciting and a great opportunity for the community to get involved in a campaign to support young families from throughout the Macleay Valley.

"We are looking forward to the building project getting underway early next year because we see it as an opportunity to not only deliver a fresh, new Maternity Unit, but also an opportunity to furnish it in such a way that it reflects the home-like, calming atmosphere our new mums are asking for.

"We are hoping the community will get behind us and help with the furnishings, which will include two state-of-the-art birthing beds, as well as kitchenettes fitted out with coffee and ice-making machines.

"This is a unique opportunity to create a very special birthing experience in modern, comfortable surrounds at our public hospital.

"Kempsey has a remarkable midwifery team and we are very excited about having equally remarkable birthing suits for our mums and bubs."

The new fully adjustable, electronic birthing beds on the midwives' wish list cost $20,000 each.

The Midwifery team is hoping their May 5 Market Day will be a successful launch for the fundraising campaign expected over the next nine months.

The Midwives' Market Day starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm on International Day of the Midwife, May 5, on the grounds of Kempsey District Hospital.

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