Can you decide on the day which hospital to go to?

[whomovedmychocolate]

Okay, here's my dilemma - I am thinking of having a go at a VBAC. I have two hospitals one six miles away which is grim but if I'm having a VBAC I'll only need to stay two hours afterwards...

....one 30 odd miles away where my consultant is and which is sparkly and new and v nice and if I have section I have to go there apparently so my consultant can do it himself (obv if it was a crash section they'd do it at hospital 1.)

Hospital one is threatened with closure, staff are dispondent generally and it's a bit of a pit. But it is just down the road and I'm not planning to go to the hospital until quite late on in labour because I have white coat phobia!

So the question is, can you just change your mind on the day and turn up at a different hospital (calling ahead obviously to check they aren't totally overrun) or do you have to go to the hospital where your scalpal happy consultant is?

well, they are not going to turn you away even though this sort of thing is generally not encouraged for practical reasons.

personally what with shortages of bed spaces these days and lack of midwives it is best to actually arrange where you will be going. i would go to the nice one. if you do not intend to be there until labour is quite onset then by the time you get to hospital 2 you will be ready iykwim?
my midwife told me where i would be and i went along with it as they know best. also the peopel who have been dealing with your pregnancy will have your medical records too and know of problems etc.

hi there,
First question is why did you have a section first time round.?...just wondering if they are wanting a particular consultant to deliver you if your labour goes to section. I would't suggest that you book at one hospital then go to another. It is important that the staff have your hospital notes so they are aware of any previous/pending complications. It is evident that if trying for VBAC that staff are fully informed of your history.
Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.