BARNSLEY author Joanne Harris opened the new birthing suite at the town's hospital - 21 years after her daughter was born there.
Three of the seven birthing rooms at the £1.2 million labour ward contain pools, as well as beds, giving mums-to-be the option of having a water birth.
Each of the seven rooms have décor of calming colours, adjustable mood lighting and an en-suite toilet and shower room.
There is also a three-bed assessment unit where midwives can check pregnant women who have opted for a water birth to see if they are ready to head to a pool.
The Rainbow Room, which is supported by the Barnsley Hospital Charity, allows bereaved parents to spend time with their child.
Joanne said: "It's very impressive. It's lovely and bright and is a great environment to give birth and to work in.
"Women give birth and leave but the midwives are here all the time and it's great they have got a good working environment where they can do the best for women who come here."
She recalled it was a very different place when she gave birth.
"There was lots of old-fashioned wood. I remember it was bit crowded and a bit open. Some of the rooms didn't have windows and it was a bit suffocating.
"When you're giving birth you don't take in all the details but the staff were just as good as they are now and I think that's the first thing you think about."
