Pembury, Maidstone or Farnborough - your stories please!

[SamanthaB123]

I have to choose between these three hospitals for the birth of my baby in October. I've heard bad things about all three so would like some help in choosing! Please share your positive and negative stories about all three, thank you, SB

Elusive - let me know about Maidstone - due there in mid august and went to visit but have been feeling a little miserable - not because of the staff or the care but the facilities. Had DD in London and was expecting a little more facility wise. Has made me realise that VBAC and getting home asap is more important to me than anything else now!

Hi Doodley, Sorry, but I don't know anything about Maidstone - never been to any Kent hospitals apart from Pembury (though if Pembury happened to be full, that's where I'd be transferred to, so I'd better find out where it is, really!).

The other place I've heard wonderful things about is the birthing centre at Crowborough, if you're W Kent or Sussex based and low risk. SamanthaB I guess that's a bit far for you??

Crowborough is meant to be fantastic!
Elusive, if Maidstone is full I get transferred to Pembury so............. and if the hospital visit was anything to go by there were about 50 people on the tour and 7 delivery suites................

Apparently the new hospital at pembury is running several months ahead of schedule so you should be good for early next year.

I am due to give birth at the old hospital in two weeks. All the midwives i have spoken to have recommended it over maidstone, i've been to see it and am comfortable that it's perfectly acceptable as far as hospitals go, they're all the same- people have good and bad experiences. If the midwive recommends Pembury as opposed to the others then that's good enough i reckon!

Incidentally i am also sevenoaks and Farnborough was not an option given to me...

Palace don't say that - say lovely things about Maidstone.............Pembury is miles from us so not really an option unless pushed there and it is 1.5 hours away!

I think I may wail.

Ooh that is a bit far isn't it!!

If i'm totally honest i think people can concentrate too much on the 'look' of the hospital in these circumstances. I'm happy in the knowledge that wherever i have the baby (you never know i may have to go in by hospital in which case i'll be taken to maidstone), the people looking after you and baby are professionals, and they will do their best by both of you.

If i were in your position Doodleydoo i'd go for the nearest one to home i reckon if the options seem similar. I can't say i'm looking forward to the car journey whilst in labour and i'm only 25 mins from the place...

Palace, spoke to my midwife today as had a sweep and asked about what happens if maidstone is full, she has told me to request the other nearest hospital (Ashford) as even though not actually due to give birth their and not linked it makes more sense........and that came from the midwives mouth so feel a little happier than the 1.5 hr drive!

I saw my midwife yesterday and when I was discussing this with her I realised that the thing that worried me the most was that because I had received disjointed ante-natal care at Pembury this was a reflection of what delivery there would be like. I would like my own loo because my labour experiences have shown that I need one but it would be ok without if that's what I end up with. I think that I just need to resolve this within myself so that I feel more comfortable. Thank you for all of your positive comments, it has been really helpful and is reassuring. It is also nice to know that there are others out there having babies in my area!

Samantha, I feel the same - its something I have to get over myself rather than anything wrong with the hospital - this is all especially as I really don't want to have another cs, now that I have spoken to my midwife I feel better, have nothing against Pembury itself but there are so many hospitals that are closer that it seems bonkers to go that far!

Now my only hurdle is that both my Midwife and my consultant (have seen same one all the time so have a good feeling of relationship with them and their advice!)are BOTH on holiday the week I am due! That makes me gulp!

Doodleydoo - when are you due and where do you live? I think that you just need to feel comfortable with options that are available in your area. It's a really personal thing. Babies are never born when they are due so you'll be fine with everyone being away that week .

Seconded- that's probably the best week for them to go! I'm having a carpet fitted when i'm due- thought it was the safest time to book it for!

Doodleydoo how did your sweep go- any news?

Well apparently am exactly normal for 38 weeks, had quite bad period pains yesterday for a while but nothing else, off for another one next week. I reckon 13th as it is a Friday and am superstitious and it is number 2 so 4 days early, but otherwise it will come the week they are away I just know it! Not overly concerned I just don't want some other consultant deciding I need another cs when I could just go in and out! Besides, not expecting anything soon as I haven't even packed the hospital bag yet

I'm in Sevenoaks area too, and have been to Pembury for scans and a few tests, but have chosen to have my baby at home (due in Sept). This is my 3rd pregnancy so I feel a bit more confident about a home birth. Pembury isn't the prettiest, most modern hospital but all the staff, midwives etc seem very nice and very professional.

Pembury and Maidstone are the same trust and both have policies of "one to one" midwifery care. There is also the chance that one or other of the hospitals may be on "divert" when you go into labour and you may have to go to the hospital that actually has a room/midwife to look after you