NHS vs. Independent Midwife vs. Doula

[KentExpecting]

So, my local hospital is being placed in special measures. I read the full report and there are really specific, problems in all departments, including the maternity unit and midwife led unit.

This worries me a lot. So much that I have sleepless nights. I'm only 10 weeks pregnant at the moment, due in March, but I'm not sure that the series problems can all be resolved within 6 months.

So I'm considering my options:

1. Have a home birth - definitely a NO for me. Horrible experience in the family. Not an option.
   
   
2. Have baby in the midwife led unit, but take along a doula for more support
   
   
3. Have baby in the midwife led unit, but take asking independent midwife for more professional, expert support (even of said midwife may not be allowed to DO anything as she does not work for that hospital)
   
   What are you guys thinking? Does anyone have any experience of being accompanied by a doula or midwife in the way described above?
   
   Or does anyone have any better ideas???

[rattlesnakes]

You can go to any hospital you want. So if there's another within a reasonable distance, you could also consider that. Bear in mind that if you go for the midwife-led unit, you may need to be transferred to your local hospital during labour if there is a problem.

[KentExpecting]

Basically, they placed the whole East Kent Hospital Trust in special measures. This includes all birthing units within about an hour's drive from my home. So no easy alternatives :(

The main issues are around staffing. The midwife to births ratio should be under 1:28, but at my hospital it's 1:33. In addition, there are issues around the availability of certain equipment, e.g they don't have resuscitation facilities in all rooms etc.

[KentExpecting]

My biggest fear is that the midwives are stretched to breaking point. So I may be left on my own for way too long, or they might miss things if they're rushing.... That kind of thing.

[KentExpecting]

Thanks Neville!

[JennyBlueWren]

Have you looked into the costs and options of a private hospital? I haven't a clue how much it would cost (never had any private treatment) or if your circumstances would allow it but imagine it could be an option and might be rather pleasant.

[ohthegoats]

I would have thought that if things are being watched closely, then the service will quite quickly become shit hot. If it was me, I'd hire a doula (an experienced one, not mentored), and go for the nearest MLU.

[ruth1104]

Not sure what I'd do in your situation, it's a tricky one, but bear in mind that the MLU won't take you if there's even the smallest complication in your pregnancy or labour, including needing to be induced. So perhaps looking into a private hospital would be worthwhile if you can?