Conquest @Hastings or Eastbourne's midwife led unit?

[EeyoreIsh]

Only 26 weeks pregnant but trying to gather thoughts on where to give birth.

I live in Eastbourne, and so far I'm having an uncomplicated pregnancy.

Ideally, I'd love to have a water birth and be in the more relaxed atmosphere of a midwife led unit. But I'm anxious that anything can go wrong in childbirth and it's quite a trip from Eastbourne to Hastings.

I spent some time at conquest earlier this week and I wasn't very reassured... it chimes with what I've heard about them being overstretched and under resourced.

I'd be really grateful to hear from those that have had recent experience of either. At the moment my preferred choice is Brighton!

I can't give you any advice on this but would love to hear any opinions as I have exactly the same question as you!
I live in Eastbourne and have my booking in appointment tomorrow with the midwife (i'm only 10 weeks) so have been trying to work out what to do... It's so hard to know!!! xxx

The Conquest is busy but since they now have the consultants etc from Eastbourne I think it is much safer, they just couldn't attract the staff for the two small CL units.

I think it depends how likely you think you are to need assistance - if it's your first baby that may increase the likelihood of intervention being necessary. And it depends how risk averse you are - what is worse, a journey in an ambulance in labour, or having a straightforward birth but in an inconvenient location?

The Conquest on balance is a good hospital in my experience (some things weren't great but that's life) and I had my baby there just before the merger so probably at the worst time. And yes, I did need forceps despite everything being straightforward up to that point!

Sorry this is a bit rambling, but I hope it helps

Oh, and they do have one pool at the Conquest which I had a lovely time in until my baby decided not to come out! I've heard very few women ask for it (why I don't know) so you have a reasonable chance of getting it if you state your preference when you ring up.

Thank you for sharing your experience - much appreciated!

I was due to give birth in crowborough birthing centre but after a couple of bleeds I had to go to conquest to hive birth.

All my ante and post natal care was at CBC and they were amazing!

My birth at conquest was fine, got the pool room when I asked coming in. Stayed for 5 days and the mws were lovely but obviously over stretched. They closed the labour ward the day after I delivered.

I had quite a complicated birth with a consultant attending in the end. The MW was lovely and made DH and I very comfortable with what was happening.

I also got an unprompted traumatic birth debrief the next day and offer of someone to talk to should I need it.

I was due to go to Crowborough as well. All appointments there were great, lovely midwives, peaceful surroundings, big pools - but my DS arrived at home before we even made it to the car! You can go and have a look around... Just call them. Good luck!

I've had 2 babies at the Conquest and both good experiences. I was very well looked after (first one was a 2 week stay so had plenty of time to form an opinion!).

I know this night not be important to everyone but I really liked over looking the lake- it just felt calming and nice.
I've heard the Eastbourne ward is windowless but I'm not sure if that's true or not!

Thanks all, great to have these positive views. we've been told that Conquest is too busy for us to look around, but we'll arrange to look around the midwife led unit at dgh at my 28 week in 10 days time.

Good news about usually being able to get the pool. I really really want the option of a pool as I chill out lots in water normally.

We really weren't impressed with our little stay at conquest this week, one midwife to (at least 12) women in the maternity assessment/pre delivery ward. The midwife was doing her best but she was clearly over stretched.

I live in Hastings and have opted for a homebirth for my 1st baby and will only be taken to Conquest if i REALLY have to for emergency reasons :S

I am expecting my first baby in a couple of weeks so can't say much for the labour ward, but I did have a stay on Murray ward after a bleed and could not speak highly enough of the midwives. The team were lovely and explained everything to me, and were very reassuring.
Many of my friends have given birth at conquest and had lovely experiences.

I'm in the same position. I live a stone's throw from Eastbourne, but needed intervention with my last delivery, so would prefer to be in a consultant led unit (I'm not consultant led though). We drive past the Conquest regularly and it takes 35-45 mins....I also delivered my DS quickly, so another consideration. I'll ask to look round Conquest at my next appointment and see what I think. I spent some time on the MLU at Eastbourne last week and I'm pretty certain there wasn't a single person delivering there at the time.