Midwife led unit vs Hospital?

[Merrz]

Can anyone give me advice or share your experiences? 1st baby due January and confused about where to give birth. My local hospital has a midwife led unit (North Scotland, quite rural area) it's a really new hospital and is lovely, i would have my own suite, with a double bed so DH could also stay over, with en-suite shower room, birthing pool in the room, pretty much luxury compared to a big consultant led hospital. However obviously with any mlu, pain relief would be limited and if there were any complications it would mean a 30 minute ambulance ride to the consultant hospital. Travelling time from my house is 10 minutes to mlu and 20-25 to hospital (depending on traffic) so still not a big drive to the hospital.
What would people do? Just go to hospital, not as nice but at least you know you have everything there or go mlu, much nicer, more relaxed atmosphere but know there's the chance you may have to be transferred? I read that 1 in 3 ftm land up being transferred from mlu to constultant led

I went MLU, which was attached to the hospital for my first. I was fine there and never transferred. However I think if they were 30 minutes apart in midwinter in the North of Scotland I would have chosen the hospital. If it’s snowy/icy that 30 minutes could be longer.
It really is down to where you feel the most relaxed and safe.

Thanks Tilliebean good point, i didn't really think about the time of year for roads potentially being bad. I think i would much prefer the MLU but starting to think the worry of having to be transferred is just adding unnecessary stress.

I can see the idea of MLU being attractive compared to the hospital but I personally ally wouldn't risk a 30 minute journey. I have had two complicated birthdays with EMCS though.

Have a look at the birth place study. It can give you stats regarding the safety/ chance of normal birth depending on where you go.

Thanks for your replies, I'll have a look giggly

Hospital. I found the fact I was on the clock to be transferred a real hinderance to labouring to be honest and the worry of if something went wrong. Personally I prefer everything to be immediately on hand.

I would go hospital. The transfer time is too long and I couldn't risk it.
I was in the consultant unit for labour and I still had my own room with a bed and en suite. I think some had birthing pools too (mine didn't but I had no real birth plan so it wasn't requested). Just because it's in the hospital doesn't mean it won't be a nice experience. And at least you know if you need extra help then it's right there.
Good luck whatever you choose.

Thanks, i'm going to speak to my midwife next time i see her but think i'm swaying towards hospital now. Was so excited by the lovely new midwife unit but the more i think about it the more i think hospital is the sensible option, especially since it's my 1st.