Advice please

[2crazy]

Hi everyone,

I am new to site, just got my BFP today I am currently living in Ireland but we are moving to Sussex in January(dh job promotion).

By then I will be 4 months gone. Can anyone fill me in on the maternity system in England e.g. privae vs public, hospitals in the sussex area etc.

Am a bit worried because I don't know the first thing about the system in the UK. Thansk in advance for all the help

[BlueCollie]

Hello, where in Sussex are you going to live? I'm from Brighton area and will be retuning there for 5 months while my boyfriend is in Afghan. As far as I know there are no private birthing hospitals in the area but I never looked into it but there are plenty of private midwives/doulas. There are some midwife led units that are supposed to be quite good. Basically it depends on where you live. If you are in Brighton area then you can go to Brighton/Haywards Heath/Worthing. Newhaven area you can choose Brighton or Eastbourne. I'm not sure about further inland. They are very supportive of homebirths in the Sussex area and there are a few websites you can google. The main hospital in Sussex in the Royal Sussex County Hospital which is a vey busy city hospital its sister hospital is the Princess Royal in Haywards Heath which is smaller and given the choice I would go there but that might be because I work at in the A and E at Brighton and didn't want to be pushed through screaming on a trolley passed my colleagues LOL. The system is pretty much the same as in Ireland I think. I called the hospital from Canada when I found out I was pregnant and they put me in touch withe the relevant MW's before I came home and that meant I could book my first appointment with MW's in that area before I even returned. They have a pretty good website that will give you all the numbers and as long as they aren't stacked up with labouring women I am sure they will be very helpful.
Hope this helps and if you want to know anything else about area feel freee to contact me.
Sam

[2crazy]

Hi Thanks for that, we will be living in Seaford. I have family there and I think my cousin went to Royal Sussex County Hospital, (that was nearly 9 years ago now)

I'll have a look at both hospitals and contact them.

Thanks again, I'm sure loads of questions will come to me, at the moment I am still in shock with BFP

[mankymummymoo]

I had DS at the Sussex County four years ago and they were absolutely fantastic. The support before/after from the midwifery team was brilliant too - even coming out on a bank holiday because DS wouldnt feed and not batting an eyelid when he was feeding when they arrived !

[BlueCollie]

In Seaford you'll get the choice of the County or Eastbourne General. Think the nearest midwife led unit is East Grinstead but can't be sure my memory not the best since I've been pregnant LOL. I'll be living in Newhaven so not far from Seaford and baby will be 2 months old then so wil be able to give you some info on baby groups are about for when yours is born if you want.

[2crazy]

thnaks so much for advice, I am going to contact hospitals during the week, am off to my doctor tomorrow for bloods etc to be done.
Blue Collie, I would really appreciate info on baby groups when the time comes. Thank you

[BlueCollie]

Crowborough..that's it..not east grinstead. Maybe there is one at east grintead as well....god i'm all confused LOL

2crazy - no worries will fill you in. Not sure how many people you know in Seaford already but if you want to meet up when you move over feel free to contact also. I know what it is ike to go to a place and no know one which is made even worse if you don't/can't work.

[2crazy]

I have some family living in Seaford but would definitely like to meet up once we are settled in Will be nice to know a few more people