Water birth at UCH or Royal Free?

[Elastigrrrl]

Ladies, I'm looking for your advice on whether I am more likely to get a water birth at UCH or the Royal Free. Alternatively, did you want a water birth at either, and it did or didn't work out due to other ladies in the tub? I'm low risk all round at 23 weeks (though it is my first), so my hope is that if they think it is safe I will get to labour and/or give birth in water, but I'm wondering how likely the pools are to be free.

I'm aware that UCH has two pools and the Free just one, but as UCH has nearly twice the patient numbers, that fact isn't necessarily helping. Of course I am also trying to keep open minded in that even if a pool is free, it may not work out. But I'd like to maximise my chances if you see what I mean.

Thank you!

[ateddybearfromdelaware1]

I laboured in the pool at UCH. Lovely room, lovely midwives all very supportive.

I called when in early labour and said I would like the pool, when I arrived they were filling it up for me :) it's very big too

[Elastigrrrl]

Thanks ateddybear. What year was this?

Are you another import from the US, if I may?

[ateddybearfromdelaware1]

This was December 2012, not long ago. The postnatal wards are really nice too.

No I'm not :) I just like the song, as does my son

[Elastigrrrl]

Ah, sure I'll get familiar with that song in time! Cheers.