Declined from hospital of choice where I had DC1 -anything I can do?

[Runningblue]

I had a very long but good birthing experience with dc1 at a midwifeled unit. Fantastic midwives, great support on bf post birth, so no brainer, I'd love to birth there gain.

But, Since DC1, I have moved to a village 15 minutes away which means I now live in a different pct catchment.

Fast froward to now, I am 37 weeks pregnant, and have today been declined to have dc2 in my preferred midwife led unit, as the pct is not taking ladies out of the area due to 'over subscription'.

is there anything I can do? I am feeling really upset, I just wanted to go to the place that was familiar to me, and closest at that.

I now have to go to a big hospital in Colchester which is not what I wanted at all.

Sob

If you look at it like that, homebirth get you 1:1 but increase the workload actually in the hospital?
If I ever got PG again, Id definitely consider homebirth, or Clacton unit, although the idea of emergency transfer is a little scary!

The new maternity strategy is v pro homebirth so they'll have to staff accordingly....

That's good to hear Runningblue thanks - is there anyone else you could talk to about home-birth options if you've lost faith in your midwife's opinions?

I'm 36 weeks and due to go to the Colchester MLU, so may see you there Runningblue!

Obviously good luck with the head of midwives route, sometimes it's worth pushing for what you want.

Hi just wanted to update you, I had a fantastic birthing experience and post natal care from colchester general. I gve birth in the MLU, and spent overnight in the post natal ward as I had my baby just over the 24 hour 'deadline' from my waters breaking.
So despite my concerns, it was great

Congratulations! either that is a great review of both MLU... or perhaps you're just great at getting babies out!

Congratulations

Oh it was clearly me being ace at having a baby ginger but the midwife was lovely, followed my birth plan, really nice clean facilities and post natal care in hospital and up to discharge was just great.
Plus the pink ladies breastfeeding support have been excellent so at four weeks, I am feeling pretty settled with all of that too.

you have a right (by law) to have a birth in any NHS hospital in the UK regardless of your location. So if you show up in the MLU of your choice in full labour and they have space available they can not turn you away. A lot of hospitals ask to register with them before 26 weeks but sounds like yours is different because you are almost at your due date. I would call and speak to some one in charge and stipulate your rights or just show up.