Recent experiences of Simpsons maternity at Edinburgh Royal?

[ShrimpieFlintshire]

Had my first DC at Simpsons a few years ago and have forgotten most of the details apart from some pretty negative highlights.

Anyone have any recent experiences of the labour and postnatal wards there? Good, bad, practical tips etc? (I don't qualify for the birth centre unfortunately).

Thanks!

[monkeyandlion2012]

I give birth there in 2012 and in Feb this year.tbh I've never understood the negative reviews on it yes it's busy but pretty OK. The only problems I had were they seem to only allow pushing for an hr and you wait ages to get discharged. Bring your own food
I got induced on Feb do you want to know the process ?

[ShrimpieFlintshire]

Thanks - glad you had positive experiences. I'm unlikely to go through induction but many thanks for the offer.

I've forgotten if they supply anything like pads etc, and will they provide formula if you need it? We had to top up last time and I think they supplied it.

[monkeyandlion2012]

when in labour I was given pads but not in the antenatal ward . They provide bottles of formula with teats so you don't have to bring bottles

[sizethree]

I didn't qualify for the birth centre either. Such a shame as it looks like a flippin hotel!
I gave birth (via emergency csection) in November 2015.
Things I wish I knew before hand were:

• the postnatal ward with 4 beds is very squashed and roasting hot. If you have your own fan bring it. As well as some face cloths to dampen and put on your face and chest (even in November I was toastie!)
  
• Take a squashable bag as there's no room for even a hand luggage sized suitcase
  
• bring diluting juice as you'll get super thirsty. And lots of snacks as the hospital shop is super price and not great for healthy stuff
  
• they provide bottles, nappies and cotton wool. I was given those disposable stretchy pants and lots of maternity pads too.
  
• bring lots of muslins as the midwives weren't best pleased when my newborn kept on puking on the crib sheet (first time mum, I didn't know!)
  
• take comfy outdoor shoes as you'll be instructed to walk up the nearby hill yo speed labour up. I paced around so much!
  
• the labour ward is usually pretty rammed and likely you'll be in a ward until late labour. Then you get turfed out the labour ward quite soon after your bundle arrives as such a fast turnaround is needed
  

I found the staff INCREDIBLE. If you're lucky enough to be seen by a midwife called Helen, she's wonderful.
It may be worth doing a test run to St. John's in Livingstone as if the ERI is full then you have to head there. I've heard great things about it.

[ShrimpieFlintshire]

Thanks sizethree, that's all good info. Like you I'm disappointed not to get in the birth centre! Thanks for the tips on the postnatal ward, most helpful. (Last time I had an epidural that went wrong and the anaesthetist put me on a selection of strong painkillers for several days so my memories of the postnatal ward are extremely hazy!)

[sizethree]

Ouch, sorry to hear about your epidural gone wrong. Scary stuff.
I hope you have a good experience this time. And congratulations by the way!