Would appreciate hearing about your recent Macclesfield birth experiences!

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Hi everyone,

I'm 35 weeks pregnant with my first baby (IVF) with an elective c-section booked in at Macclesfield hospital on 19th Dec. I've had really good care from Macclesfield so far - extra growth scans, lovely midwives. We did a tour of the maternity unit and it was okay - small, and six beds to a very small ward. There are five private rooms ranging in price from £75 to £200 a night that can't be booked in advance. Only the more expensive private rooms are en-suite.

I was okay with this, although a bit dismayed at the prospect of trying to get any sleep with six women and six babies crammed into a ward, plus visitors!

As friends gave birth at Stepping Hill, we decided to do one of the tours there too. And oh my goodness it's so much bigger - eight single rooms, two private/payable rooms, and only four beds in each of the two spacious wards.

Would I be crazy to ask to move to Stepping Hill at this point? Does anyone have any experiences at Macclesfield they're willing to share . . . ? Thank you!

Hi I don’t know if this will be totally relevant to you as I had my baby nearly 4 years ago at macc but I was very impressed with the care, especially as my birth turned into an emergency. The staff were fantastic and I couldn’t have asked for better care. It may just be me but I also didn’t mind being on the ward as although my dh visited me pretty much all day I think I would have felt isolated being in a room on my own. I was in for 5 days and apart from the traumatic experience I really didn’t mind being there. I am pregnant again and have opted for Macclesfield again as although it’s e closest hospital to me I also feel I have no reason to choose elsewhere.

Ahh that's good, @mumof1littlebun - thanks for commenting; it's very reassuring that you're choosing to return there for your second!

When are you due?

HI, I gave birth at Macclesfield only 5 weeks ago, and they've been brilliant throughout. I had the choice between Royal Stoke and Macclesfield, and opted for Macclesfield as it was much smaller and felt more personal, and was really happy with my choice. I stayed for 2 days after the birth in one of the 6-bed wards (had problems with breastfeeding but otherwise a straightforward birth). There was only one other person on the ward, and she was only there for a few hours so for most of my stay I was the only one mum there! The staff kept coming over several times a day for check ups, asking how I was, offering hot drinks...now I have no experience of any other hospital as it was my first, but I'd choose Macclesfield again, though my 3 days of labour were horrific that they may not be a next time

Seems generally quiet compared to the other big hospitals so I think it's unlikely the private rooms will be fully booked, and if you're lucky you might get the entire 6-bed ward to yourself like I did!

Hope it goes well

Hi @Oceanblue042 - congratulations! That does sound like a very positive experience (well, apart from the 3-day labour bit . . . 😬)

I guess it comes down to luck, largely - I do feel reassured though so thank you.