Anyone given birth at East Surrey Hospital

[ANGELMOTHER]

There seems to be so many mums on here that Ifeel sure someone must have used East Surrey at some stage. Am pg with no.2 and as dd was born in Holland wasn't sure what to expect here but so far am happy, any experiences of the afore mentioned Hospital would be appreciated though..

Thanks Mo2
I do plan to visit East Surrey... from my experience.... a doula or independent MW's reception isn't 100% down to the hospital but a lot depends on the attending MW....
In a way we face similar challenges : external support brought in at mum's request... but the doula does not have a medical role and should'nt be seen as threatening.... unless the MW is being challenged - and even that should be done VERY diplomatically....

Is an evening out still planned? Hope so but haven't heard and THINK technical should have my details?

Have to say my recollection of delivering ds at East Surrey (admittedly almost 5 years ago) echoes that of Mo2. Even though his was a "natural" arrival it was protracted and in retrospect I am shocked at the way my labour was allowed to progress slowly despite obvious signs of distress. He was born with the cord wrapped around his neck and was finally extracted by ventouse - have to say I felt somewhat violated as a result but was grateful for ds' eventual safe arrival and as he was my first didn't really know anything else.

My recollection of the experience is probably now coloured by a far better time here in Switzerland with dd but my account of ds' birth brought such a look of horror to the face of my OBGyn that he went to great pains to ensure a more positive experience all round.

Particular memories include the ancient sister who cheerfully remarked to me after 18 hours of labour at 1 am that "this is why it is called labour, love", I was told I was not pushing right, then the bathrooms on the post natal wards were filthy(how do you manouevre a crib into those toilets), there was no tv and visiting was quite restrictive (my mother had to wait outside as I was only allowed 2 at a time). I stayed in for 4 long days as ds was a little jaundiced and was reluctant to feed, but the midwives were more than willing to shove formula down him from day 1. I had to really fight them to be allowed to keep trying to breastfeed which I did successfully for 15 months.

Anyway enough of the negative ramblings.I was subsequently part of a feedback group, including midwives, NCT teachers and new mums, whilst the mergers with Crawley and Horsham were being floated and there have been some changes made since which from the comments below are positive news.I believe many things have changed since then and especially hope that there is more continuity of care. Wishing you all the best Angelmother when the time comes.

It is nice to know that there are some of you in the locality as eventually we may return from our outpost here. Wish we had a Doynings type set up over here - everything is outdoors and at the moment decidedly chilly !!

LizS

Sykes I hope so, maybe we should organise it on this thread or will we start another...
Mo2, sb34 are we all still on ?
A meal out might be a good idea (esp for me as I can't seem to stop eating )
Thanks for another experience Lizs, I have my booking appoitment next week and intend discussing the hospital fully with the midwife. I still have my reservations as after the very high standard of care I received in Holland with dd I am not impressed with the standard here.
I have as yet no first hand experience obviously but through friends and family experiences and of course the ever reliable Mumsnet I feel it unfair that most women need to "fight" for the care they want.
Must add if someone said to me after 16 hrs labour " This is why they call it labour love" I might be arrested for my subsequent actions........In those situations one cannot suffer fools gladly

Hi all - I haven't forgotton about organising the get together, it's just that I haven't had your details yet Sykes (maybe tech is on holiday?). Anyway - we can kick it off on here can't we? What are people like w/c 17th March? (Sorry it's a bit far forward, but I'm away & we've got in-laws staying before that!)
I could probably do any night that week, or were people thinking about a weekend? Also, where shall we go? There are lots of restaurants in Reigate, or we could meet at a pub in say Bletchingly or Godstone? Any thoughts/ preferences? Shall we get our date & place sorted out and then post a new thread to see if anyone else wants to come too? Oooh, how exciting - an "East Surrey Mumsnet meet up!"

Message withdrawn

Hey can I join you??? .... I am in West Kent and not even 30 minutes from Godstone...
Week of 17th is fine and I can do every nights except Thursday....

Tech also has my details and I know he is back as he has just e-mailed me.

I really like the Old Bell in Oxted. A Wednesday is a good night for me - but happy to do another night if not good for others. I live in Godstone but wouldn't recommend any of the pubs apart from one in South Godstone which is v nice.

Have you got my details - tech e-mailed me.

Since we now have another thread discussing the "East Surrey meet-up" shall we discuss the arrangements there (it's getting a bit confusing!)
Here it is

Sykes - no I haven't received your details - I think Tech/mumsnet may have an old e-mail address for me, so I'll e-mail them and ask them to send mine to you instead.

Pupuce - it would be great if you could come!