We live on the border of 2 (actually probably 3!) health authorities and so therefore have at least 5 options of where to deliver DC1. I've had some problems with pre-natal depression/anxiety which affects how I'm viewing the birth, and what I want in the way of care, but which also may affect whether some of the units will take me.
My options are:
1 Midwife led unit in hospital 35 mins away, low risk only, 1:1 care, very pro water birth and excellent post-natal care - 2 or 3 nights stay. If I needed to be transferred during labour then it would be to option 4, but if this unit refused me due to my 'head' problems, then I would have to go to option 3.
2 Midwife led unit in community hospital 40 mins away. Low risk only, pro water birth, 1:1 care. Chance (1/10) of my community midwives being on duty so having a familiar face at the delivery but no post-natal care - 6hrs only. If I needed to be transferred then it would be to option 4
3 Standard maternity unit 1.15hrs away, no 1:1 care, more pain relief options inc water but no epidurals unless EMCS needed. Busy wards, and post-natal care limited. If I was rejected by the MLUs then this would be the default option.
4 Standard maternity unit 1hr away, no 1:1 care but full pain relief options including water and epidurals. Busy wards, and post-natal care limited. If I started my labour in option 1 and ended up with EMCS or instrumental delivery, I might then be transferred back to option 1 for after care, but not if I ended up with a 'normal' delivery.
5 Home - would only have a 1/10 chance of having my community midwives on duty, and would be 1hr away by blue lights to nearest hospital (plus time for ambulance to reach us).
Argh, I'm soooo confused! My gut feeling is that I'd like option 1 as think I'll need the 1:1 care, and my 'head' issues lead me to wanting a lot of post-natal support/care/guidance for looking after DC1.
However, I've been told that I need to have a back-up in case they won't take me. I have no issues with having to go elsewhere in case of being higher risk, however I've been told that they may reject me because of the pre-natal depression. I'd be gutted if they rejected me on these grounds, given that they seem to provide just what I need post-natally.
It seems that the post-natal care being offered at No.1 seems to be the 'reward' for women having a problem free delivery - if I need any additional intervention/assistance/pain-relief, then I may be denied this aftercare, which doesn't seem entirely fair. Or am I being unfair?
Sorry this is so long
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Childbirth
Choosing where to deliver DC1 (sorry, long!)
5 replies
Daisybell1 · 30/05/2011 17:08
OP posts:
HRHMJOFMAGICJAMALAND ·
30/05/2011 19:19
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