Experience of inductions at the JR?

[theghostofmargerykempe]

(Content note: Discussion of loss of loved ones, cancer)

I am 41 weeks +3, and am booked in for an induction at the John Radcliffe on Monday (exact time TBA by phone on Sun). Based on the failed sweep that I had yesterday, it seems very unlikely that DD will make a spontaneous appearance before then, so I am trying my best to be OK with having an induction.

However, I am feeling really sad and scared about both the potential for inductions to be more painful/lead to higher risk of injuries, and about the prospect of my partner being sent home for the night if I am not in the right stage of labour at the right time. Having lost my mum 3 years ago and one of my best friends about 14 months ago, (both to cancer, I spent a fair amount of time in hospital with them both towards the end) I am now very anxious and unhappy in hospital environments, and I feel like I'm going to fall apart if I'm left in a ward full of strangers by myself overnight.

I have asked various midwives/hospital booking staff about whether partner is likely to be sent home, and received conflicting answers from different people which has fuelled my anxiety even more.

Do any Oxford people have experience of whether their partner was sent home overnight from the JR during an induction, or more general advice or suggestions on what to expect? Did anyone get around this by booking a private room, or is it possible to discharge yourself and go home overnight if active labour has not begun? Any stories much appreciated.

[LassoOfTruth]

I was induced at the JR, but different reasons - my waters broke and then I didn't go into labour for quite a while. My husband stayed with me that night but only because there was no space for me on the ward, they had to put me/us in a small private room. After DD finally arrived, we paid for a private room one more night because I was quite unwell after an emergency caesarian. It was eventful, and the JR were great tbh. I have also lost loved ones in hospital and completely understand your feelings. I think if you talk to the hospital about all this they will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Good luck!

[theghostofmargerykempe]

Thank you so much @LassoOfTruth, that is helpful to hear. It does seem to be a bit luck-of-the-draw on whether partners are allowed to stay, which is scary, but I will try to explain as best I can.

Would it be really rude of me to ask how you went about booking a private room and whether the prices were similar to the ones listed here? www.ouh.nhs.uk/privatehealthcare/services/children-women/maternity.aspx

It seems from first glance at the list that only the most expensive room explicitly says it allows partners to stay, but if you know whether "single room" also allows for partners to be present that would be great to know.

[Houseofflu]

I was induced at the JR too. Husband was allowed to stay during the induction. I went through a traumatic delivery, but didn't suffer much because I was on epidural the whole time.

We were given a single room free of charge afterwards. DH stayed with me for 4 nights in the hospital. He slept on the floor.

This was back in 2015. It might have changed though.