Cardiff Help! - UHW or Royal Glam?!

[oaksway]

We’ve just found out we’re expecting (5 weeks pregnant now eek!) and just had our GP appointment, we’re being referred to the midwife but we’ve been asked which hospital we’d like to go with - Royal Glamorgan or University Hospital of Wales (the Heath) (both Cardiff).
Does anyone have any recent experiences of either? We’re totally torn on which to choose & not sure how to make a decision. Know we can change later on but need to let the Surgery know ASAP to get our midwife appointments started.

I’ve heard good and terrible reviews for both and guess it just depends on who you have on the day? But any information or experiences or information would be much appreciated! Thanks x

Congratulations!!

No experience of the Royal Glam (heard good things) but have given birth at the Heath twice, and am just about to to it again (baby due in about 6 weeks).

I've had both good and bad experiences in the Heath. But I've just had a birth choices meeting there and it sounds like they've made enough changes to protocol that has left me happy to birth in the hospital again. We're heading to the mlu hopefully!

Good thing about the Heath is that is close to almost everywhere in Cardiff. It's a five minute drive for us. I've had a quick labour before so that's important to me.

I'd be interested to read reviews of the Royal Glam though.

When are you due?

Thanks for getting back to me Boofy!! Congratulations to you too! How are you feeling?
The new protocol in the Heath does sound reassuring. I'm due middle of December & it's our first. We live right in between both hospitals so really torn! My sister-in-law had both my nephews in the Heath but we're not telling people yet so I can't talk to her about it yet - would be handy though her and my brother are both doctors and work/ed in the Heath & RG so would be good to know they're opinions on both!
Hope everything goes well for you - you're a seasoned pro now!! Any words of advice for a newbie?! Xx

I had a great experience at the heath on the midwife led unit, although I'm sure you'll hear/read the good and bad with both of them.

I'd be more inclined to go with which ever one is closest to you. royal glam is easily 20-30mins away from me (west cardiff).

@oaksway, thank you! I'm ok. Tired, sore back, can't walk far without being in lots of pain, but y'know, alright!! 😂
According to the consultant midwife lots has changed since I gave birth there six years ago. I'm feeling encouraged by that so putting my faith in the UHW. I'll be interested to hear what your brother and sil have to say about the two hospitals so keep me updated on what they say!
Only words of advice I'd say to a first time mum is that you just wing it! It all comes to us eventually. Ignore any advice that you haven't asked for; what may have worked for them, might not work for you! 😝