Birth in the North-west?

[AnnaL82]

I'm only six weeks but start worrying already.
I have been working in Cheshire for 4 years but don't know much of the area - DH works in the East Midlands and i commute weekends, all our friends are down there, but we decided that the baby should be born and stay closer to me.
Closest is Warrington but I've read pretty bad reviews.
I'm from overseas Europe so I also worry about the possibility of subtle mistreatment in a weak moment like the labour! I thought about paying for private care but apparently everything is in the south?
Any recommendations?

A friend gave birth at Warrington last year and only had good things to say. My ds was born at stepping hill and I felt the care was poor, they were so stretched on the post natal ward I felt abandoned. I think all the hospitals around here are very busy though. I've moved now so would have the choice of Warrington, Macclesfield or Wythenshawe. I don't know which I would pick. Why dont you book to tour around?

Warrington has had bad reviews and has been under some scrutiny in the last couple of years to improve on that - which in a way is a good thing as they are under pressure to give a better experience.

You say that Warrington is your closest but given the motorway network that doesn't necessarily mean other places aren't viable. It depend on exactly where you are.

Macclesfield are supposed to be good. They have an emphasis on promoting VB from what I know.

I've heard mixed things about Wythenshawe. It goes from very good to very bad.

If you thought about private and travel isn't a problem then Liverpool Women's do now have some private facilities.

Arrowpark might be another option. I believe they have a high percentage of private rooms (available to all).

Depends on what you want and what bothers you most really.

Just a word of caution about going out of area - it can be a pain in the backside in person in practical terms. Its not impossible but its worth considering and being aware that you will need to coordinate between local midwives and the hospital. You need to be on the ball any aware of tests and results and make sure that you get them on time and chase the midwives to make sure they are also on top of things.

I had my 2nd at Warrington and experienced the best care there! They were quite busy and I still felt they did a great job. According to their Facebook page the maternity unit has been nominated for an award. I'll see if I can find the link.

here

I've had 2 children at Wythenshawe and have to say how fantastic they were.
I had one at the end of 2011 and another one last year.
It gets very busy but I wouldn't change it and if I was to have any more then I would go there again. Several of my friends have chosen Wythenshawe too.