Ipswich vs West Suffolk Maternity

[SquigletChocolatePotato]

Hi everyone, I think this is my first ever post. I’m 22+5 today with my first and considering changing hospitals. I’m currently registered at Ipswich but considering changing to WSH. I’m consultant led due to being on 50mg of sertraline and having a bunch of fibroids. All the fibroids are small and on the outside and above the midline of my uterus so shouldn’t affect the birth, but there’s a higher risk of post partum haemorrhage.

Has anyone given birth at either Ipswich or West Suffolk? As we can’t do tours atm I’ve been watching the videos and WSH just looks nicer. They also have the option of private amenity rooms post natally.

It seems that all over the country, the post natal care is what most mothers have a problem with. Anyone caring to share their experiences at these hospitals is very much appreciated x

I had mine at WSH. Post natal care was fairly shit with first so I left quickly after my second. Birth was fine itself but it was straightforward. I would usually choose Bury simply because it is smaller, less stressful to park there also.

I can’t speak about the postnatal care as I am currently pregnant with first baby, but I am under the care of West Suffolk Hospital and have been to the hospital a few times. I can’t fault the midwifery staff, they have been absolutely fantastic and all very kind. I have no doubt they’ll look after me after labour.

Whilst some of WSH is a little run down, I briefly went into the labour suite and it was very nice. Recently been renovated so looks very new and modern compared to other parts of the hospital. Can’t comment on Ipswich.

No experience of birth or postnatal care in either, although I'm 16 weeks and with Ipswich at the moment as it's closer.

I'd say from my first birth, don't go on looks but rather how well staff deal with an emergency and what their statistics show. Me and a friend gave birth in a busy and run down hospital a couple of years back and could not fault it. She then gave birth in a modern, nicer hospital after moving recently and said it was awful as she had to virtually deliver alone with her husband assisting.

Unfortunately I don't know any people around here yet but I'd suggest if you have friends and family locally then ask them about their experiences. I'd love to know about it myself too!

Congratulations on your pregnancy ☺️ When I say it looks nicer, I mean it has dimmable lighting, a music system, en-suite in every room, a pool available, attractive decoration and faculties for active labour; all on the consultant led ward. These things are really important to me because I get quite anxious and being in a brightly lit, very ‘hospitally’ room will stop my labour progressing I just know it. Ipswich’s midwife led birth centre looks amazing, but their consultant led ward looks much more just like a hospital room. But as I say, that’s just from their virtual tour, they kind of skim over the consultant led ward! Both hospitals are rated as needing improvement in their maternity departments by the CQC, but if you read the report, the failings at Bury are more administerial and at Ipswich they’re more likely to actually affect succcess/survival rates….so there’s that as well!

Congratulations ☺️ I’ve never actually visited either labour ward so it’s all from online videos and comparing what facilities they have available. The possibility of a private room post natally is what I think is persuading me. I’m going to have to stay in for 2 days after the birth so baby can be observed and I think that will make so much difference with bonding!

@cansu I think I did the other replies wrong 🙈 I just wanted to say I don’t think you’re alone. I’ve been reading a lot and EVERYWHERE women are saying that the post natal ward was absolutely horrible. Oh to be rich and give birth in a beautiful private hospital haha!!

@SquigletChocolatePotato

Congratulations on your pregnancy ☺️ When I say it looks nicer, I mean it has dimmable lighting, a music system, en-suite in every room, a pool available, attractive decoration and faculties for active labour; all on the consultant led ward. These things are really important to me because I get quite anxious and being in a brightly lit, very ‘hospitally’ room will stop my labour progressing I just know it. Ipswich’s midwife led birth centre looks amazing, but their consultant led ward looks much more just like a hospital room. But as I say, that’s just from their virtual tour, they kind of skim over the consultant led ward! Both hospitals are rated as needing improvement in their maternity departments by the CQC, but if you read the report, the failings at Bury are more administerial and at Ipswich they’re more likely to actually affect succcess/survival rates….so there’s that as well!

Well you may well have persuaded me too!

I was and am consultant led again and had a private room with ensuite off of the postnatal ward last time. Really helpful and allowed us all to bond in (relative) peace.