PURPOSE:
Background: The midwife-led Integrated Birth Centre (IBC) in Kwong Wah Hospital offering individualized care to low-risk mothers throughout the prenatal, labor and postpartum period. This study compared the maternal and neonatal outcomes and mother-friendly practices between IBC and conventional delivery suites (DS).

DISCUSSION:
Methodology: A retrospective cohort study was conducted between October 2023 and March 2025 to compare the birth outcomes between the mothers cared under IBC and DS. Maternal outcomes included severe perineal trauma, perineal infection, postpartum hemorrhage, postnatal anemia, postnatal depression, and mother friendly practices. Neonatal outcomes included Apgar scores <7 and NICU admissions. Data was analyzed with Chi-square tests using the SPSS 30.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Results: There were 154 mothers having normal vaginal deliveries (IBC: n=35; DS: n=119) in the study period. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the maternal and neonatal outcomes. Mobility and adopting different birth positions in IBC were significantly higher (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the rate of non-pharmacological pain relief, restrictive episiotomy, delayed cord clamping, early skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.

KEY MESSAGE:
Conclusion: The findings support IBC as a safe option and a positive birth environment compared with conventional DS for low-risk mothers. The model of care and setting support informed choices, encourage movement, and promote skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. Future research should combine larger quantitative cohorts with robust qualitative methodologies to fully evaluate both clinical outcomes and the birth experience in alternative birth settings. Poster session 2 (Group A)