I had the most amazing, fantastic experience possible.
I really want to share the experience in light of the bad press the hospital has received.
I turned up at the midwife led unit with my mum and DH at 2am. The first thing my mw, Jackie did was to discuss my birth plan with me. I was using a TENS, wanted G&A and a water birth. Jackie said all was fine and as I was in early stages, took me to the lounge where I had tea and toast and danced to TMF on telly, jumped on the balls, and enjoyed the G&A.
Jackie popped in from time to time to moniter me. Mum and DH were offered plenty of tea and were made to feel involved.
At around 8am, Jackie came and gave me a big kiss and introduced me to Juliette and Lisa who were taking over her shift.
They again discussed what I wanted to do, how I felt, bought more tea and toast and we chatted. The contractions were strong but I was really enjoying myself and at 9:30am, I called my sister whilst the pool was being filled. I finished my cuppa at 9:35am and jumped in the pool. Juliette let me check the HB with the doppler and Lisa and I spoke about the posistion I was going to give birth in and how I wanted to catch the baby.
At 10am, he was born, just how we had discussed. It was the best most wonderful experience.
The aftercare was second to none also. Both Lisa and Juliette came to see me before they left and by the end felt like old friends.
I also noticed other MW's coming on shift and vistiting mums they had helped through labour. The whole post-natal ward was buzzing with exicted new mums. BF support workers were circulating to help. I really dont think that I could have received better private care.
Alot of people I know have transferred to nearby hospitals because of the press which I feel is a shame as I had such a positive experience.
Previous births were at HW and Queens and they didn't even come close. so if anyone is anxious about the bad press, I would urge you to visit the unit and meet the MW's.