Cossham birth centre in Bristol - experiences?

[BexusSugarush]

So my first labour was a complication-free water birth with gas&air in Southmead hospital Delivery Suite (we called the wrong number but they had lots of space so that was a treat!).

My 2nd pregnancy is looking to be complication-free as far as labour goes, and at 33+3 weeks I should probably make some decisions on the birth!

I was recommended Cossham the other day and was wondering about people's experiences there. I'd be happy to do it all again with Entonox and a birthing pool, but the only issue this time is I have on my maternity notes from the midwife to keep me in hospital for a few days postnatally to get the right breastfeeding support (due to being readmitted last time). I'm more than happy to be transferred to Southmead maternity ward after the birth though, to free up the room.

Does anyone have any experiences they can share with me about theirs or someone they know's labour at Cossham please?

Hi, I’m Bristol based as well and 29 weeks pregnant. I’ve now decided against Cossham. I think it looks lovely but if there are any complications or problems they need to call an ambulance for you to be transferred all the way to Southmead and the thought of that mid labour, and in an emergency is quite scary. Also if you are in the care of someone who is medically trained such as a midwife, you may be bumped down the priority list in favour of out of hospital emergencies by ambulance control (understandable) so I’d worry how long the transfer would take. There is also a midwife led unit in the same building as the central delivery suite at Southmead which for me feels like a good compromise of comfort/calmness and being close to emergency help. Good luck with everything! :)

Cossham is such a love place, we had our heart set on it, have you been and looked at it? My main concern and one that proved right for me, was despite a problem free pregnancy I then had to be induced at 39 weeks so had to go to Southmead not Cossham. I lost 2litres of blood after birth and all I could think was that, had I been at Cossham it would have taken them 35 minutes to get to Southmead where they would treat, which could have been life threatening.

I know three others that had had babies there and absolutely loved it, their partners could stay the whole time in a lovely double bed, looks like a hotel room and has some fab stuff in their birthing rooms to support in Labour, I.e birthing balls, swings and all rooms have a birthing pool.

So just have that in mind, but really recommend a look as it's a great environment there and the staff all seemed lovely!