Have any of you given birth at East Surrey Hospital

[XKatX]

Has anyone else had any experiences at Esh? Xx

Wow, this is an old thread! I gave birth to both my babies there. Oliver in 2008 and Tabitha 2 weeks ago.

My first was a very traumatic experience. I, as the other girls, ended up having counselling with Mavis.

But this time was totally different. They were totally full to the rafters, but I still got excellent care and attention. The birth was awesome, the surroundings clean and hygienic. The midwives, hca's, doctors - everyone was very polite and helpful and I really felt at ease. I think they have turned themselves around from a few years ago.

Good luck! x x

 

[littledreams]

I'm so pleased to see such a recent response on this thread - a few of my friends are going to PRH but I couldn't see the point when going to East Surrey meant having all my other appointments locally (because of the distance we get all our care in our home towm). The only thing I have to go for is the delivery and as long as LO is delivered safely, I don't mind where I go.

For any newbies reading this I was told at my 24 week appt that ESH no longer supply formula so any mums-to-be who intend to bottle feed have to take this to the hospital with them. There is only a small amount kept in supply for babies when mum has gone in with the intention to breastfeed but can't for some reason.

 

[Mrs Doddy]

little dreams - im glad they have done that - shame it wasn't in place a year ago, I dont think they helped me bf enough and were pushing the formula for top ups

 

[special_kala]

but they still have cribs with signs that say donated by cow and gate 1988 lol

 

[Mrs Doddy]

lol

 

[MrsB1981]

Hi all, sorry to reopen such an old thread but just wondering who's had a recent experience here? In particular I'm interested in the birthing unit / water birth. I read on their website there's only one pool, was anyone not able to use this? Other, more general experiences, would also be appreciated. I'm a first timer starting to consider my options. Thanks x

 

[littledreams]

Hi there. I gave birth to my little girl back in January and I don't recall the birthing unit being busy. I used the pool for a little while and while I wasn't rushed out of it, there was a couple wanting to get in it immediately after so perhaps there is only one and it's first come first served (I went in to the unit at 11am). I had three midwives on shift during my labour and they were all brilliant, as was the consultant and her team when I later had to be moved to the delivery ward for an assisted delivery.

My only advice would be to make it very clear to someone (and your partner) if you have a birthing plan. One of the midwives made the decision to give me Pethadine when I was struggling a bit which, while I appreciate why she made that decision, I had written in my yellow notes that I didn't want it. Perhaps I should have made it clearer that I had written down some requests in the book. I had no adverse affect or anything, but I was completely away with the fairies and I can't say it did much for the pain (I had already been given cocodamol ... my mum and husband still won't tell me all the colourful things I came out with during my labour - all I know is that my thoughts seemed coherent when I was having them). Next time I would really like to try natural childbirth.

I really hope this helps a little. I do know others who have given birth at ESH and at Princess Royal and I think they have good and bad things to say about both. The one thing that did put me off about ESH and still does is it's location because the route from where we live is prone to heavy congestion (we were lucky that it was a bank holiday) but otherwise I would certainly have no issues going back there.

Also just while I'm at it would like to say that I needed to visit the antenatal clinic a couple of times and the team were really good then too. I do however object to the tiny toilet in the waiting room where a large pregnant lady needs to be able to struggle with her sample without an audience right outside!

All the best with your pregnancy xxxx