Lincoln County Labour Ward- any experiences?

[barmybunting]

I am just wondering if anyone has had any experience of having their baby at Lincoln County Maternity Unit that you wouldn't mind sharing?

They used to do tours, but these have been stopped unfortunately and I know very little about the place as we have not long moved here so my scans/ most of my antenatal care has been elsewhere.

I realise that at the end of the day, it is a maternity unit and that is that, but I am a tad nervous having discovered I can't see it before we have our baby so wondered if anyone could tell me their experience/ if I need to be aware to take anything out of the ordinary hospital bag stuff with me for there.

Thanks!

[ChilledCat]

I gave birth there and didn't get to see it as well. It wasn't an option to go anywhere else anyway as we lived about 5 mins away!
The facilities there are fine, nothing special but it was clean and after reading some of the horror stories on the NHS review website that was my main concern!
I didn't think about taking bubble bath and had a bath and that would have been quite nice? It is ridiculously warm in there, my lips were so dry and I needed my OH to get me lots of iced water as the water they have is just from a jug which is basically room temperature.
Food was awful, so if you can get your OH to bring you a sandwich or something think about that. But they do give you fruit which was nice!
To watch films/ TV on there bedside things is really expensive so if you have a tablet or laptop you can take, take it! I took my iPad and we had netflix so I watch a few bits on that!
Other than that just general hospital bag stuff!
Be firm with your midwife, they seemed to dither about a lot when I was in which was so annoying!
Good luck!

[barmybunting]

Chilledcat, thank you, that is really helpful! I have been reading the same reviews, which is never a good idea as I know most people get on fine there but don't write about it!

Good call on the iPad/Netflix and stuff for a bath, thank you. DH has been warned he needs to bring in decent food if I end up staying so that's useful. Thanks for your help!

One thing I forgot to ask in my original message- did they have gym/birthing balls in your labour room? I am debating whether I need to take one.

Thanks

[ChilledCat]

I was induced so was in a full day before I went into labour so had time to think about everything!
There was one in the room I was in (had 4 other beds but was on my own) on the maternity ward. And there was one in my labour room as well. So I assume they have a fair few and if there isn't one in your room they'll probably be able to find you one!
Oh and like I said it's a bit warm warm, so after I gave birth I only had long PJs with me so ended up just wearing pants and a night shirt, would have been better if I'd taken some shorts or similar!
:)

[barmybunting]

That must have felt like a long wait for things to kick in after induction!

Thanks, pj shorts are now on the hospital bag list too and I will leave the ball in the car in case but it sounds like they have them so that is handy.

Thanks for your help .

[Holscrafty]

I delivered there 3 weeks ago with my first child. Absolutely fantastic experience start to finish, all staff were wonderful and when my little one got stuck and had to be delivered at speed, a multitude of extra staff appeared almost instantly.
I was very keen for a home birth during pregnancy but living 50 mins away from a hospital meant a home birth felt too risky for me. If I have another child I will most definitely be choosing LCH again.

[barmybunting]

Thanks Hols, that is really reassuring to hear, particularly given it is so recent! We live a fair way away from the hospital as well which does worry me a tad.

Congratulations on the arrival of your little one! I hope you are settling in ok together.