Musgrove, Yeovil or Dorchester hospital for childbirth?

[kihf100]

I live about 40 minutes away from Yeovil, 55 mins away from Taunton and 1hr from Dorchester. I'm looking for advice on which one to choose. Please can someone tell me their birth experiences with any of these hospitals. I'm struggling with which one to choose.

This is my first child, is an hour too far away (and then potentially traffic on top!)
I've read some threads on these hospitals already but they are quite a few years old, so some recent experience would be really helpful.

Thank you!

I don't have personal experience (gave birth at Salisbury) but I'm part of a postpartum circle with some midwives who work at and women who gave birth at Dorchester and have said very positive things about it there - they gave birth late last year. Do you have specific questions and I can ask?

Dorchester generally had a good reputation for listening to the mums. It was just too far for me.

Dorchester definitely seems the best from what I've read. I guess I'm just wondering whether 1 hour, possibly more, is realistically too far to travel.

@kihf100 hmm Salisbury was 35 mins for me and felt like a lot when in labour 😅. Is that 1 hr without traffic?

Yes without traffic! 🙈 I think it might just be too far. Thank you for your help!

Yes I'd say so. I had a slow progressing labour but the journey in the car was uncomfortable in active labour. I was counting down the minutes and sliding off my seat. If you had a fast one that could be a whole other story!

You never know what your situation will be which can make it tricky to choose.

Not heard anything positive about Yeovil.

I had a perfectly pleasant experience at Musgrove but that was 6 years ago.

I’ve had two babies at Yeovil and cannot fault them in any way. Both times all ward staff were brilliant and I felt really well cared for. I’m currently 6 months with my third and am still receiving great care. I realise you’ve probably had your baby by now, but this might be helpful to someone else ☺️

I'm currently under Dorchester and I cannot fault them.
I was also unsure between the three hospitals you mention but hadn't heard great things about Salisbury and Yeovil so went for Dorchester and I'm so glad I did!