Mayday or East Surrey Hospital

[silkenwings]

Hello everyone,

I had my first doc's appointment yesterday where nothing much happened other than the question where I would like the doc to refer me to.

The choice was between Mayday and East Surrey Hospital and because I faintly remembered hearing some not-very-nice things about Mayday, opted for East Surrey.

The doc did tell me that Mayday now have a brand new birth unit but even though I wasn't convinced then, it has now made me want to reassess my options again.

I would really appreciate any reviews or views, good or bad that would help me make my final decision.

Many Thanks!

Birth centre is fab at Mayday. Also hospital has MUCH lower c/s rate than East Surrey, which is signficant given their demographic (Mayday serves large African/Caribbean community where c/s rates tend to be higher overall).

Gave birth to two of my three there. Postnatal care can be dire, but would trade that for access to birth centre (well - if they would have let me use it, which they wouldn't because I was high risk!)

I had 2 DC in ESH and know lots of people who had their DCs there as well. The staff/medical attention was excellent for delivery stage. Not so great in the post-natal ward afterwards. But that's because they are focusing on the deliveries. Would recommend it.

east surrey has had a really bad press in the past.
when i had ds1 there 5 yrs ago it was fairly dire post-natally. particularly breastfeeding support

but, I do know people who have been there more recently who have had excellent experiences. they've taken on i think 12 new midwives over the last couple of years, and have a newish birthing centre type bit that one friend used nd said was lovely

i would probably go for whichever is closest!

Thanks for all your reviews, I think I am now even more confused than before. Though I think I am veering towards ESH.

DH, who is more logical and pragmatic has decided that we should take tours of both the maternity units to decide.

Thanks again
x

Definitely take the tours. You will always find people who will offer you horror stories about both hospitals so best you form your own opinion.

I have only heard good things about Mayday Birth Centre though.

Also, since I suspect there is nothing to differentiate between the two, is one significantly closer than the other - I'm thinking of if your baby comes quickly and also for DH's visits if you do have to stay for longer than over night.

Mayday is 5 miles away while ESH is about 10. DH doesnt mind driving, but the distance is what's making me do a rethink about Mayday.

Will let you know when I finally make up my mind :)

Also, the doc had said that ESH would contact me about appointments and it's been a week and they haven't yet, is this normal?

x

I had DS in Mayday 2 years ago. Unfortunately I had to stay in a labour ward instead of Birth Centre, but the staff was excellent and I was well cared for from my arrival to delivery (18 hours in total). Agree with everyone else that postnatal wasn't that great although couldn't fault them in anything particular.
Will have my DC2 in there as well.

I had a bad experience at Mayday on several occasions but I could be in the minority.

I've cheated the system and opted for Epsom as my Mum lives near by :) Their really lovely there.

I had both my DD's there..The youngest only 12 weeks so reasonably recent.

Agree with others that the delivery team were excellent but the post-natal not so great.
I found the post-natal ward worse with my first but thats probably as id had a nasty birth (induced,back to back,long labour etc), had no clue what i was doing and DD had jaundice. I was in for about 4 days and hated it. Second time was fine though and I was only in overnight.

I would take distance into consideration. With DD2 I only just got to the hospital (20mins away) in time and she was almost born in the car!