Picking a hospital to give birth in - UK

[Dinah93]

I called to make my first midwife appointment today, and she asked which of our local hospitals I wanted to give birth in. I was speechless to be honest, I thought I had about 35 weeks to decide that one! How am I supposed to know which one to choose? They're a similar distance away, but is there any way of finding out if either are known for having a fantastic or dire maternity service?

 

[lynnikins]

you can check their websites for their statistics hun

 

[mummymarsh]

go on nhs website.... x

 

[lucy_x]

atleast you got a choice, for my next baby im likely to only be allowed to go to the city centre on. Id really rather not!

Before you make a decision, Perhaps have a look on their individual websites, they often have pictures/information. Also check their websites for statistics, then after all of that, ask on here for any one who has given birth in either one for their opinion!

 

[mummymarsh]

i meant nhs choices website.. it has all hospitals local to you, has their statistics, reviews etc etc... and you can compare them x

 

[bathbabe]

Yep go on the nhs website and compare, speak to family, friends etc.

I has the choice of 2 hospitals, i statted off with one then got so pissed off with them i changed hospitals at 13weeks.
So even if you pick one but change your mind thats your choice. Dont let them bully you into sticking with one hospital if your not happy with it x

 

[mummymarsh]

im torn too.. i hve a hospital slightly further away and its new unit realy modern and grgeous looking plus bigger....

but i had my little boy who was stillborn in march and my care through the pregnancy up until the day he was born and after was amazing....... and im goig there to see consulltant this pregnany and they are being amazing again, but hopsital is less modern smaller and not as nice lookingg... so do i stick with them or try a new one??

 

[sammiwry]

im torn too.. i hve a hospital slightly further away and its new unit realy modern and grgeous looking plus bigger....

but i had my little boy who was stillborn in march and my care through the pregnancy up until the day he was born and after was amazing....... and im goig there to see consulltant this pregnany and they are being amazing again, but hopsital is less modern smaller and not as nice lookingg... so do i stick with them or try a new one??

New and modern looking doesn't mean your going to get the same level of care. I'd stick with the one you know for the time being, can always change!

 

[mummymarsh]

this is true sammi..... i did attend the 'newe and more mordern' for 2nd opinions with my son and did receive lovely care there too....

i think for time being i wil stick with the on where my son was bornn.... my friend was midwife there and delivered my son (unfotunatelly she has left now) and i know they are al lovelyy so im almost guranteed to have a positive experience with them

 

[chuck]

Just because you put a name on a set of notes doesnt mean you have to go there!

You can choose to go to any hospital or even stay at home when you are in labour. A birth Centre is a little more difficult as they have strict intake criteria...but if you were at 10cm ready to go they would hardly kick you out LOL

 

[cherryglitter]

i agree with having a look on the nhs website. they have virtual tours for most of them.