Can you decide on the day which hospital to go to?

[whomovedmychocolate]

Okay, here's my dilemma - I am thinking of having a go at a VBAC. I have two hospitals one six miles away which is grim but if I'm having a VBAC I'll only need to stay two hours afterwards...

....one 30 odd miles away where my consultant is and which is sparkly and new and v nice and if I have section I have to go there apparently so my consultant can do it himself (obv if it was a crash section they'd do it at hospital 1.)

Hospital one is threatened with closure, staff are dispondent generally and it's a bit of a pit. But it is just down the road and I'm not planning to go to the hospital until quite late on in labour because I have white coat phobia!

So the question is, can you just change your mind on the day and turn up at a different hospital (calling ahead obviously to check they aren't totally overrun) or do you have to go to the hospital where your scalpal happy consultant is?

[Christmaxbear]

well, they are not going to turn you away even though this sort of thing is generally not encouraged for practical reasons.

[bethoo]

personally what with shortages of bed spaces these days and lack of midwives it is best to actually arrange where you will be going. i would go to the nice one. if you do not intend to be there until labour is quite onset then by the time you get to hospital 2 you will be ready iykwim?
my midwife told me where i would be and i went along with it as they know best. also the peopel who have been dealing with your pregnancy will have your medical records too and know of problems etc.

[withwomanmidwife]

hi there,
First question is why did you have a section first time round.?...just wondering if they are wanting a particular consultant to deliver you if your labour goes to section. I would't suggest that you book at one hospital then go to another. It is important that the staff have your hospital notes so they are aware of any previous/pending complications. It is evident that if trying for VBAC that staff are fully informed of your history.
Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.