Decided on Princess Alexandra (Harlow) this time round, not Addenbrookes

[Amnewtoallthis]

I've heard the maternity-led is good and it's more 'joined up' with obstetrics deparment, when I had DD at the Rosie in Jan 09 too many things went wrong, and the after care was horrendous (with botched epidural and EMCS; discharged with no pain relief) - anyone else rate PAH?

[Impatientwino]

I had ELCS at PAH in July - good care, amazing staff - they were very busy when I was in so a bit disorganised at times but would have no hesitation having another baby there. they were so helpful and supportive and really helped with establishing breast feeding with me which I am eternally grateful for.

I wasn't able to use the midwife led unit unfortunately but I have friends who have and they loved it.

My niece was also born at 33 weeks there and the SCBU was fantastic

[swooosh]

Hello, I used to work there (A+E not maternity) but know a lot of people who have had babies there. Everyone has had no problems at all and would recommend to a friend. They have a fantastic SCBU department (which I think has or is being moved/updated?)

[mildred37]

My sister and I were born there; and in turn my niece and nephew were born there too. No complaints at all from her; the level of care was fantastic.

[Amnewtoallthis]

I'd heard PAH had a 'bad patch' a few years back, but that was in the 80s I think, which is why I did hestitate but it does seem they've come on leaps and bounds. Was really disappointed with the Rosie.

[HiHowAreYou]

I'm going there this time too. Good to see a few positive reviews. :)

[rainand]

What's wrong with Rosie? Is their brand new unit any better?

[Sheldonella]

Oh no, I'm using the Rosie. Has anyone tried the new MLU?

[rainand]

Sheldonella, im Planning to use Rosie too. The description of the new MLU looked really good - private rooms each with birthing pool and music.

[Amnewtoallthis]

I had to be induced to have DD, so I never came close to using the MLU. For me, the Rosie felt like a baby factory, it took them 8 hours to discharge us, (because my Epidural went wrong so needed consultant anaethetist's signature) and we got home at midnight & when the midwife came round to see us the next day (and only because we called her - the Rosie didn't let the community team know they'd discharged us) we both nearly went back to hospital, because they also discharged me with no pain relief my blood pressure soared; I had an EMCS and a bodged epidural. So that's why I'm not using the Rosie, I'm sure their midwife unit is great, or if you are already considered high risk pregnancy as they have a specialist neo-natal unit, but if like me you have a healthy pg and things go wrong, well let's just hope you don't end up in my position...

[LauraPalmerPlusOne]

The new facilities at the Rosie are fantastic - it just opened a few weeks ago, so a lot has changed since 2009, OP. Perhaps you should take a tour before completely crossing it off your list?

Sometimes women just have a bad birth experience - no matter what hospital they're in. Regardless of where you end up, hopefully this birth will be a more positive experience!

[rainand]

How does one go about getting themselves booked into the new Rosie unit?

[serendipity81]

I'm doing the opposite OP! After a bad experience at PAH last time I think I'll be having my next one either at home or Rosie. They basically wouldn't believe I was progressing as quickly as I told them I was, and was obviously transitioning if they had observed my behaviour and symptoms. But they kept telling me to stop fussing and I had at least another 24 hrs of this. I had my dd very shortly in a side room having not been admitted to the labour ward. This was over the course of a 2/3 hrs, not spontaneous labour or anything. They just kept telling me to go home! Which was half an hr away....we tried to leave once and nearly had her in the car! They also didn't spot a tear which resulted in a major haemorrhage, probably because I wasn't in the ward. Having said that aftercare and surgery I had was very good. Don't mean to scaremonger or anything but It was a terrifying experience for me as a first time mum that took a long time to work through. However many many friends have had their kids there very happily! HTH x