Great Western Hospital, Swindon or RUH, Bath

[OOOOOOOOOOOpsacoconut]

I went today for an early scan and was very impressed with the set up and they seem to be good BUT has anyone delivered there recently? I have to chose between Swindon and Bath (we are directly in the middle) The one thing that I didn't like was I spotted the stroppy Bounty lady with her giant camera following mums from L&D to the wards. I know it's new and modern but is it any good?

I had DD at Bath and it was great but DD was one of only 2 babies born that day so had undivided MW attention not sure what it will be like if it busy.

[OOOOOOOOOOOpsacoconut]

Sorry for the bad spelling and grammar I am being climbed on by DD.

[Wilts]

I am Swindon based but both Ds's were born at the old hospital.

My friend had a baby at GWH six months ago and the breast feeding support she got afterwards was abysmal . However, she had no complaints of her care during her labour.

[rosieposey]

Hiya congrats on your pregnancy. Im in Swindon and I delivered at GWH 8 months ago today . Cannot fault them at all, i have diabetes and high BP and was a high risk pregnancy and was always in and out of the day assessment unit.

I had a planned CS and was very well taken care of - labour ward was well staffed and rooms were fine.

Hazel ward was great for postnatal care (foods a bit rubbish though).

Cant say much about breast feeding support like Wilts though because i legged it home less than 48 hours later. Nice modern hospital that i would recommend.

[Bettymum]

Hi, I am midway between Reading and Swindon and not sure where we'll end up come April. With my first baby, I went to RBH (Reading) - I had a very very long labour and ended up on drips and epidurals and all sorts. In the end DD born "naturally" with the aid of a ventouse. Swindon has a very high CS rate, my cousin is a midwife there and said that if I'd been in Swindon I probably would not have been allowed to continue labouring, but would have had a CS which I wouldn't have wanted at all. It may not have any bearing on your pregnancy and labour at all, but it's just a thought.
Also the Bounty lady is everywhere, there is no escaping her!

[VeryHungryKatypillar]

Hi Oooops, and congrats!
I had a c-section at the GWH and they were great. I felt that the breastfeeding support was very good, lots of help re positioning. DD was a low birth weight and they were keen to give her top ups as her blood sugars were low... but this did not interfere with breastfeeding and I fed her til she was a few days short of 12 months.

A friend had her first at RUH and chose to have her second at GWH due to a difficult time at the RUH, not sure whether that was down to her particular circumstances though..

Oh, and there are lots of private rooms at the GWH, we got one for free which was a result!

[iateallthecreameggsyummy]

Hi personally for me I can chose the RUH or Paulton maternity Unit and im opting for Paulton. Bath RUH seems to have a reputation for rushing you in and out, and leaving you after the birth in quite a mess, having been there for my sisters labour when she was screaming i have to push and they ignored her, 6 mins later he was born so........ RUH no thanks. Although saying that I have heard if you go in in an emergency they are/can be quite good.

Paulton on the other hand well I dont think the 2 are comparable really

Good luck!

[OOOOOOOOOOOpsacoconut]

Thanks Everyone.

Iate - I wish Paulton or CHippenham were an option but unfortunately I am high risk due to thyroid issues so they are both out

Still confused but DH is wanting to go with what we already know. Aaaargh I wish it was easier to decide!

[DirkGently]

have namechanged as i have insider knowledge.

GWH
It is a new building. It has lots of individual rooms which you may or may not have to pay for. The breast feeding support is a bit shite but they have a very newly appointed breastfeeding specialist person.
They do have a very high C section rate. But it is an obstetric unit rather than a low risk type place. Because of this it is very very clinical with loads of machines and they are quick to intervene.
There is an enormous birth pool but their criteria for using it is so strict it is only used about once a month.

GHW does have in the pipeline a midwife led unit which is supposed to be opening in march-ish (although if it ever really happens I will eat my pinard).

I suppose it depends on what you want and what you are comfortable with. Do you feel more comfortable with medical stuff? or do you want something more 'natural'?

Bath have a higher home birth rate and are more accepting of homebirths. Not many people in Siwndon have babies at home.
As an alternative have you looked at Chippenham birth unit? its supposed to be good.

[iateallthecreameggsyummy]

awww that is the problem I know Paulton will only take you in if your low risk, i thought id be to fat they wont take you in if your bmi is over 32! Luckily i was 29 and Paulton is 3 min drive from here

Good luck with wherever you chose and im sure you can change your mind as time gets closer.

[DirkGently]

And another thing....

I do thnk like anywhere the care you get depends on who is supposed to be doing the caring for you. Some are fabulous, others are shite.

I think you have to be very clear about exactly what sort of experience you want. They are more likely to listen to you if you have it written down. Be pushy even if it appears to piss them off. this is your birth, not theirs.