SPECIAL cots to help new mothers share their baby's first moments have been unveiled at York District Hospital.

Women who give birth by caesarian section at the city's district hospital will now be able to enjoy those precious early minutes with their child thanks to new co-sleeping cots.

The four cots are specially designed to enable the mothers, who find it painful to move around following the caesarian section, to nurse the babies at their bedside.

Made of clear perspex and costing £184 each, the cots hook on to the side of beds in the maternity unit.

They have been bought by the Friends of York Hospitals and were handed over by Friends committee member and trained midwife Sandy Wells.

The head of midwifery at York District Hospital, Margaret Jackson, said: "Before, when mothers had caesarian sections, they would have to ring for help if their baby was unsettled because they couldn't reach themselves.

"Now with the new co-sleeping cots they can just reach out and soothe the babies, which means both they and their babies are more settled."

Friends chairman David Meal said the cots had been bought with money from legacies, donations, and a very successful collection in December at Tesco at Askham Bar.

"We approach the hospital from time to time to ask how we can help and we are only too happy to buy equipment that helps patients and staff," he said.

"This was one of the suggestions that came from the hospital and we are delighted to be able to provide these cots so mum can have baby at her side at all times."

Staff decided they would like some of the cots after trying out a couple last year, when they were a resounding success with new parents.

One mother involved in the trial said: "It's lovely to be able to see your baby's face and reach out and touch her.

"It's also nice to be able to soothe her when she's crying, instead of having to wait for someone to answer the buzzer."

Updated: 10:24 Saturday, February 10, 2001