What to do after bad experience last birth? Do I go to a different hospital?

[HalfMumHalfBiscuit]

I can go to either Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor or Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Boddelwydden (both in North Wales) from where I am based. I had a really bad experience last time (in 06) at Glan Clwydd and am thinking of going to Ysbyty Gwynedd this time.

I went to Glan Clwyd hospital in 2006. They seemed really short staffed. No time for midwives to do their jobs properly. Was just awful.

I had an emergency C Section after a 36 hour labour, went through 4 midwives during the labour, had a bad reaction to epidural etc. Final midwife said 'enough is enough lets get the baby out'. They tried forceps then went for the ECS. When I got on the ward after ECS there were no where near enough midwives to look after all of the ladies on the ward. I wanted to breast feed but couldn't pick up my baby without help due to the C section and dreaded to press the call button as the staff were too busy or no one would answer. It was just awful.

Does anyone know if it has improved lately or is it just as bad. Would going to Bangor be better?

I am going to see a consultant in the next few weeks - should I say anything about my concerns?

I would greatly appreciate comments from any recent new mums in the area or suggestions as to how I can make sure my next birth experience is better.

[nevergoogledragonbutter]

You should mention your concerns to your consultant.
You might be able to arrange a tour of the depts of both hospitals and meet the boss midwife and ask your questions directly.

Sorry, but i don't know the hospitals you're talking about (and can't pronounce them ).

Hopefully someone more useful will be along soon.

[HalfMumHalfBiscuit]

Thanks dragonbutter. I mentioned my concerns to my MW (whilst having a big cry) and am planning to visit both as you say.

Wish I didn't have to worry about this.

[LuckySalem]

I'm afraid I've never been to either hospital but I have heard that welsh hospitals are short staffed on MW's whether that's true I dont know but it was something that my HV told me after I said about my experience at Wrexham Mealor.

I'd speak to your docs and possibly consider a homebirth?

[HalfMumHalfBiscuit]

Thanks Lucky.

Cant' have homebirth after Emergency C section apparently...

Tried to have homebirth last time.

[nevergoogledragonbutter]

i had a choice of hospitals too and had a bad experience first time around. for me the decision came down to whether i thought their paediatrics dept was up to the job rather than the midwifery side. i went back to the same place and it was fine. and didn't need the NICU anyway.

[Tamlin]

I had a bad birth experience last time - I didn't have an easy time of it, and things were made far worse by the rotten staff (who were massively short-staffed and nearly always absent). I've chosen a different hospital just because I think I'll get tense and miserable just walking back through the doors of that maternity suite - I had to go back to the same hospital for a repair of the episiotomy the consultant botched, and felt sick with worry just returning. I'm hoping a different environment will make me less anxious.

The other thing I've done is hire a doula for this time - I'm hoping that having somebody calm and knowledgeable in the room will help make up for any short-fall in midwife staffing. She'll meet with me two or three times before delivery so she won't feel like a complete stranger. I've got to say, her rates were cheaper than I expected, and if you find a trainee doula, they can only charge £150. www.doula.org.uk

[HalfMumHalfBiscuit]

Tamlin - I am thinking of getting a doula but can't find one round here.

I know what you mean about the staff. I felt bad asking them to help me because I could see they were so busy. Surely that is not right?

[LuckySalem]

Half mum you can and I am determind to get mine. (I tried for HB and ended in EmergC/S too)

[HalfMumHalfBiscuit]

Good luck with the HB Lucky. Gotto be better than hospital!

[LuckySalem]

It has to be - like you I felt guilty for asking them to help but you can't do it yourself - Your stuck with a cathetar in you and a scar that hurts when you try to sit up.

Anyways..... good luck and I'm sorry I can't offer more advice.

[HalfMumHalfBiscuit]

anyone else?

[WizzyWoo]

Hi HalfMum

I had a horrendous time with my 1st DC, with the consultant who delivered her yelling at me for telling him I didn't want him to start stitching my tear when I could feel everything!!

I also have the choice of two hospitals and after speaking to other mums, I made the decision to use a different hospital this time. As luck would have it, I've got a new job in the NHS and work in my hospital of choice. I met with the matron in charge of maternity to discuss a work thing and we ended up chatting about deliveries etc. She was lovely and gave me a tour of the maternity wing and said that the midwives are more than happy to speak to people who have concerns one to one. I hope that the hospitals would offer you the same thing...

Here's to better experiences this time round for those of us who've had nightmares in the past

[CherryChoc]

You CAN have a hb, if you want one. See here.

[CherryChoc]

Also, if you can't get a doula, can you afford an independent midwife? I don't know whether they only do home births though, so if you decide you don't want a HBAC it might not be an option (anybody know?)

[HalfMumHalfBiscuit]

Thanks WizzyWoo - sounds positive. Need to check out the alternative hospital and see what its like.

CherryChoc - I have located a Doula now and now have to discuss this possibility with DH. He is feeling like they will take his place as my support. Thanks for the HB info, will take a look.

[HalfMumHalfBiscuit]

Hi, now looking into going to Bangor Hospital. Anyone have any experience at this hospital?