Where to give birth? Midwife-led units.

DawnieB1977

I live in England and I'm pregnant with my 3rd. I live equidistant from 2 hospitals. I had both of my children in one of them, as it's considered to be my more local one, and the maternity ward had the better reputation. I've had really easy births, just used gas and air, and not needed stitches either time, despite being induced with my 2nd (12 days late).

Now one of the hospitals has closed down its maternity ward, and is now just a midwife-led unit. The one I've used before is twice as busy, as everyone high risk, being induced, needing c-sections etc goes there, plus the people who live more locally.

One of my friends had a c-sec recently, but was transferred to the midwife-led hospital after, and said it's lovely in there, very quiet, lots of help, your own room. Usually we have to share a room with 3 other women, and babies, in the maternity wards. I was home 5 hours after having my 2nd as they were so busy.

I am considered low risk, so my community midwife suggested the midwife-led unit. The only thing that worries me is that if I do have problems then it's quite a long way to the other hospital. Babies in England are generally delivered by midwives, not doctors, but obviously if we get into difficulties then there is a doctor on the ward somewhere! However, in a midwife-led unit I don't think they have the capability to perform c-secs.

I like the idea of the midwife-led unit, and I'd like to use the birthing pool, which I'd be able to do there. I do worry though that so,etching could go wrong. I've been lucky twice, so not sure that luck would continue!

kcasey155

I've always aimed to deliver at our midwife led unit at the Royal Surrey, which I should add is basically only further down the corridor from the main delivery suite. However, out of five babies I've only delivered in the mlu once. First baby was breech so went straight into the main delivery suite. Third and fifth both had meconium in their waters when they broke, so I was transferred to the delivery suite and the fourth time the mlu was already full. Second child was successfully delivered in the mlu and the birth was no different from the third, fourth and fifth. Where you deliver doesn't change how painful it is or whether or not you'll know the midwife you have at the time. I did find the mlu to be more relaxing for some reason and the midwife spent all her time just about in the room with us, whereas in the main suite the midwives are darting back and forth between duties. If your two previous deliveries were straightforward I would be tempted by the mlu. However I would also want to know the procedure for transferring to the main hospital beforehand, the length of time it takes and whether there is any increased risk. If there's a chance to tour the mlu and meet the midwives beforehand I'd do that too. I expect they only put the most capable and experienced midwives on the mlu, at least that's how it seems to work up here.

DawnieB1977

I know it won't be any less painful lol, but the MLU will be less busy, as less women will be there. Plus there'll be no chance of using the pool at the other, as it's so busy. It was busy when I had my other two kids, and that was before the other maternity ward closed down. I'd also like to be able to stay overnight, as I'd like some time alone with my new baby before returning to the madness at home :laugh:

I'm going to speak to my midwife about arranging a tour.

tinybry

I only have experience of our midwife led unit ad it is closest to me anyway, but would highly recommend it. Calm and quiet and they have all the systems in place if transfer is needed. They only accept you if you are relatively low risk which it sounds like you are anyway, I know you cannot be induced on ours though.

we have no ward so was home 6 hours after the first and 3 hours after the second.

DawnieB1977

I only have experience of our midwife led unit ad it is closest to me anyway, but would highly recommend it. Calm and quiet and they have all the systems in place if transfer is needed. They only accept you if you are relatively low risk which it sounds like you are anyway, I know you cannot be induced on ours though.

we have no ward so was home 6 hours after the first and 3 hours after the second.

That's good to hear! Ours won't induce either, so I know if I'm overdue again, I'll end up in the busy hospital. I was 10 days overdue with my first, and just avoided induction.

mycrazy8splus1

I would go with the Midwife center. How far over will you be allowed to go before they talk about inducing? I went 42 weeks with one of mine. I have a friend that routinely goes 42 - 43 weeks with her babies. Some babies take a bit more time to cook.

DawnieB1977

I would go with the Midwife center. How far over will you be allowed to go before they talk about inducing? I went 42 weeks with one of mine. I have a friend that routinely goes 42 - 43 weeks with her babies. Some babies take a bit more time to cook.

The policy in my area is 10 days over, but they can only induce 2 women at the same time, so if someone has more urgent needs (eg has gestational diabetes) then they push you back a day or two. I was induced the evening of being 11 days over with my daughter, and she arrived the next day. I was just given a pessary, no drip or anything. I'm sure if you requested it, they'd let you go up to 2 weeks over, unless you were high risk.

According to the AA route planner, the 2 hospitals are 20.4 miles apart with a driving time of 36 minutes. Obviously faster in an ambulance.