Hello, I'm really looking for some advice. I've recently found out I'm pregnant with my second child - very excited as this one took a while! I phoned the Drs surgery today and they said before booking in with a midwife, I need to decide which hospital I want to give birth at, Frimley or Surrey County. I didnt expect to have to make this decision so early and we only moved to the area last year so I said I'd do some research and let them know.
Now this is made a little harder for me because I had such a horrendous experience having my first baby. Not because of the birth, but the way I was treated - they were horrible. I had lovely midwives all through my pregnancy, but was extremely unlucky on the big day. I gave birth in the Homerton in Hackney - not my nearest hospital but I chose it because it had amazing facilitates and really wanted a water birth - I didn't get one as all pools were in use and the midwife couldn't be bothered with the blow up one.
I'm terrified of a repeat experience - I really want to be somewhere where they are nice to you and has a home from home environment and a pool. I also envisage needing help with BFing, with DS1 it was a disaster - he had tongue tie and did so much damage and I got no help.
I came across The Grange at Petersfield - it looks ideal but is a 35 min drive - is this too far? Would they take me? I gave birth last time on just gas and air (when I finally got into a room) and I did an episiotomy but that was because his hand was stuck by his head!
Other than that it's Frimley or Surrey County - I have heard Frimley is good but it only has one pool - I'm worried my chances of getting it are slim. Surrey County has a midwife led unit I believe...?
If anyone can tell me about these hospitals and their facilities and experiences that would be really helpful... Sorry for such a long thread!