Anybody to give birth in South Manchester?

[Hughsie]

I was wondering if any fellow mumsnetters have experience of giving birth in South Manchester. I am due to have my second baby at Trafford General and am concerned that I have made the right choice. My first child was born at St Marys due to previous miscarriages prompting extra monitoring but straightforward pregnancy this time has lead me to choose a local hospital. Worries include recent staff shortages and a visit I recently had due to some worrying pains where I felt they weren't really on the ball! Is it just the NHS or the hospital itself? I am concerned and wondering if I have thought this birth through and whether to consider a home birth or transfer to alternative hospital - any advice?

Hi Hughsie

I live in South Manchester and work for the NHS. I chose to have my ds at Crumpsall for lots of reasons, mainly around the connections I have with that hospital for my job. I have to say that if I were having a baby at a South Manchester hospital, I would choose Wythenshawe. The reason for this is that it is a big teaching hospital, and is affiliated with the University. I have also got a number if friends who have had their babies there and it has been fine. In addition, ds had to go on the children's ward there and I was really impressed. I don't know anything at all about Trafford General whatsoever, but if you're uncomfortable, then maybe you do need to re-assess. If you were happy with St Mary's you could easily go back there I'm sure. Good luck. Hope this helps.

Hi. I had both my babies at St Mary's for similar reasons to you Hughsie. I thought it was great and felt that I was in the right place if anything went wrong (which it did the first time and I had to have an emergency caesarian). If you also thought it was OK why not go back there? My youngest ds has just has bronchiolitis and we spent a night on the Acorn ward and the staff were very good. Hope it goes OK whatever you choose.

Hughsie, I don't live near you but a friend had similar misgivings after previous problem pregnancies..I think you've answered the question yourself, if you don't have confidence in them it's not going to be a good experience all round. I wonder if Leese/Mears are around today to offer the perspective from the other side of the fence (ie midwife). I'm sure they wouldn't want mums to be going somewhere they didn't feel happy (but obviously not want us all chopping & changing the whole bloomin time )

Hughsie, I gave birth at Stepping Hill which was fine. Looks under-resourced and a bit tatty but the care was wonderful.

Thanks for the advice. I have been worrying so spent today investigating the options with my gp and midwife (not yet responded). My Gp says that home births are supported but the GP will not attend. I have heard many more favourable reports on Wythenshawe than Trafford and so may consider registering there but keeping my options open on a home birh. Whilst I felt that St Marys were very competant, unfortunately I was unlucky with my midwife who continually called me Clare when it isn't my name! - not the best when you are in agony. It seems that so much hinges on how well you get on with your midwife and I have to say that so far the five I have come across antenatally have been great and I would be happy for any one of them at delivery which is what I can expect from a home delivery (I think!)

It's nice to know that there are other mancunian mumsnetters as I got the impression that most were in and around London. Thanks to all of you for your advice.

Hughsie - I live in Old Trafford & had my dd at Trafford General last August. I would not hesitate to go there again for number two!

I must admit that since then, my husband decided to go to TG's A&E department when he needed a tetanus - thinking that it would be quieter than the MRI - but after waiting six hours, he left without being treated.

I gave birth on a Friday afternoon and left on Sunday but had no problems seeking a member of staff when required, and August is notorious for annual leave.

Having visited several friends with new babies at St Mary's over the years, I was very happy with my decision (and the parking is loads easier too on the big day when you can use the reserved spaces round the side!).

Whatever you choose - good luck!

Thanks for the comment JenniW. I am now booked for a home birth (3 weeks to go!) but still registered at Trafford if things dont go to plan. I hear so few positive stories about Trafford though that yours really cheered me up as I dont want to worry if I have to be admitted. Thanks.

me- well i was south, just moved to north.
Having a homebirth in April or May
Good luck with yours.
Cathy

Almasysk - how exciting!

I've just got a week left now and saw the consultant yesterday who said the baby was 3/5 down and was fairly supportive of my home birth. The midwives have been great though - very keen and encouraging - hope you have found the same.

I have found a few people who have had positive experiences at Trafford too so feel better if I do have to go in.

Good luck

Hughsie - since you started this thread I have met someone who had thier baby at Trafford and had a positive experience and is having thier second there too, just thought that I would let you know that - lots of luck with the Home Birth!

Thanks Zoe - that's reassuring. My midwife actually called round last night to tell me that they were short staffed last night and if I went into labour they I would have to go to Trafford. I'm a great believer in fate so if it happens I'll just get on with it but I was nervous at every twinge last night! She said it may happen again one day next week as there are a couple off long term sick so they cant cover everyone.