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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

UCH or local hospital in Kent

35 replies

cmsmith · 05/02/2011 08:31

I'm now almost 31 weeks pregnant with my first child and moved from London to Kent early December and have remained at the UCH hospital for antenatal appointments as it's close to work. I can't fault the hospital in anyway, other then its now a good hour or so away from where i live.

Cant decide whether I should transfer to my local hopsital (which i've heard positive things about and will view with my nct class in a few weeks) which is 5 mins away or stick with what i know and so far love.

I keep changing my mind about what i should do and what will be for the best running through a number of what if scenarios, but i really dont know and keep going round in circles.

My midwife suggested i make a decision by the time i have my 36 week appointment.

thoughts ?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Bonsoir · 05/02/2011 08:33

I think that no-one can advise you here unless you name your local hospital!

Readytoburst · 05/02/2011 12:11

Where in Kent are you?

LadyBiscuit · 05/02/2011 12:19

Kent to UCH (even if you live in the London-y bit of Kent) is a fair old hike. I would switch to your local (unless you hate it) because I think the stress of having to get across London in labour during what might be rush hour is not a great idea.

Original poster

cmsmith · 05/02/2011 22:03

It's the William Harvey hosp & is literally on my doorstep.

I've had such conflicting advice from Dr's, midwifes, nurses, friends etc., im just confused about what will best.

Majority say it's highly unlikely i wont get to the hospital in time, more that i might go too early and be turned away. I have good friends who live near the UCH and they have offered for me to go to theirs should that happen, day or night so that wouldnt be an issue.

I just know that if i have complications the UCH is world class and i'd be in the best hands. But the WH is so close...

Too many what if's !

OP posts:

Portofino · 05/02/2011 22:10

The William Harvey is fine! I have friends who gave birth there. You are having a baby, not needing a liver transplant or anything! I know it is a scary time and all, but medical care in Kent is not in the dark ages!

Portofino · 05/02/2011 22:15

I had fantastic midwives etc in Kent - not at WH, but at the QEQM. I can't fault the care I was given - though the Portland it wasn't. My only disappointment is that DD has Margate has her place of birth. Tsk.

ethelina · 05/02/2011 22:21

I gave birth at the MLU in WHH and it was great actually. The MLU is only a year old and very well appointed with individual rooms and ensuite wetrooms, plus 2 birthing pools.

If you did have complications the delivery suite is only a hospital floor away and has also recently been refurbished.

I had a lovely experience there and would certainly recommend it.

ethelina · 05/02/2011 22:22

Portofino - Not sure Ashford is better sounding than Margate... At least its seaside!

Portofino · 05/02/2011 22:39

Ashford is LOADS posher than Margate . At least Ashford does not appear in any Chaz and Dave songs and episodes of Only Fools and Horses....

Portofino · 05/02/2011 22:46

Sorry OP. I am being flippant. But your OP comes across a tincey little bit as if you won't access proper medical care in the provinces. WH is a good hospital. You will be fine - I hope your NCT tour helps to calm your nerves a little. It IS a scary time, I know.

Megglevache · 05/02/2011 22:48

Have heard lots of positive stuff about WH Ashford, a close friend had all three of hers there too.

ethelina · 05/02/2011 22:54

Paul o'Grady called it Trashford. He's a bit right. It is.

Megglevache · 05/02/2011 22:55

Ethel- he doesn't have a vagina and hasnt had babies.

Portofino · 05/02/2011 22:58

House prices will be going up though now because of the high speed rail link. Someone told me it took only 30 mins to Charing X now!

debka · 05/02/2011 23:01

I'm currently trying to have my baby at WHH (one failed induction, next booked for Tuesday). They are lovely there and the care has been excellent. I had DD there too and was very happy.

Ah but he did open a section of the hospital... (Paul O'Grady that is).

ethelina · 05/02/2011 23:23

Higher quality of trash then! (disclaimer - I dont quite live there).
Yeah he did Debka, he was really nice to the nurses when he was ill there. Good luck for Tuesday!!

Readytoburst · 06/02/2011 00:09

When in labour I think you'll appreciate a hospital on your doorstep! My local is medway - of 'Coppers' fame and frequently commented on by Harry Hill for it's chavvy nature. He's not wrong!! The 20 minute drive there at 7cm was the longest journey of my life. Any further and I'd have lost my mind. You take your chances with any hospital and your experience is largely dependent on the midwife who takes you on. From the experiences of friends, you could do a lot worse than the Harvey.

TheNewStig · 06/02/2011 00:29

My SIL had her DC3 at WHH and said what good care she got in the MLU. If you do need Consultant care the Delivery Suite is only a floor away. Personally I'd switch.

Bonsoir · 06/02/2011 07:55

One of my cousins flew back from Brazil to have her DD at William Harvey and back from South Africa to have her DS there!

Ashford is a dump but the surrounding area is full of lovely villages and the population that goes to William Harvey is quite normal - as is the care. You will be fine there! And London really is far too far away for comfort.

Supersunnyday · 06/02/2011 08:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mrsshackleton · 06/02/2011 20:31

Having given birth at UCH I would definitely go for the local hospital

lia66 · 06/02/2011 20:54

I am a Doula and one of my local hospitals is WH. I have only ever had lovely experiences there with my clients, mw's and docs very women centred, they try very hard to support you in your birth choices.

Singleton suite is downstairs, (mlu) but if for any reason you can't use that then delivery is lovely.

My local local hosp, (5 mins) is Maidstone and due to changes if I wasn't able to have my baby there, I would choose WH as opposed to Pembury.

Postnataly is not too bad either compared to some.

You'll be absolutely fine and I know your friends have said you can go there but what if you ended up with a stop start labour, wouldn't be very good for your emotional health in labour to be trying to relax st someone else's house.

Good luck. :)

N1MTB · 07/02/2011 10:20

I've had two babies at UCH, think it's brilliant (I did have amazing care, especially the second time) but, if I were you I would DEFINITELY go for the local one. You don't know what stage of labour you'll be in when you make the journey or if they'll send you back home. My first baby arrived 2 hours and 40 minutes after I woke up (and 40 minutes after I left for hospital) so don't bank on it being a slow process.... It probably will be but you never know!

Megglevache · 07/02/2011 10:43

Maidstone

grumpypants · 07/02/2011 10:49

ooh megglevache - share? i had a depressing time 12 years ago....

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