Anyone with experience of Wallingford Maternity Hospital - the midwife led unit?

[newmomma]

Am due to have no.2 there in May and was wondering if anyone had experience of it that they'd like to share?

Thanks

Didn't go myself but several friends have and ALL raved about it. Only downside is if necessary to transfer to JR the ambulance ride isn't much fun - but still they didn't regret starting labour there and loved going back!

Yes, the ambulance journey does worry me... I'm just hoping it won't be necessary.

I haven't been there either, sorry, but I have met a few women who have had babies there and who absolutely loved it. Apparently they only do about 3 births a week so it's nice and quiet.
I could go there, but the prospect of transferring to John Radcliffe puts me off, I don't think it is great by all accounts (but willing to be proved wrong by people who've had their babies there!). Chances are you wouldn't need to be transferred anyway so probably not a problem.
Don't know if any of that helps .

Had both my boys at Wallingford, one in water and have very happy memories of both births. My first birth was not without problems - long second stage and some pretty bad tearing but this was all managed at the unit and I didn't need to be transferred (my GP said it was some of the best stitchwork she had ever seen!)
You are totally supported throughout labour on a one to one basis. Wonderfully supportive and experienced midwives. Had a lovely aromatherapy bath after my second birth and was then tucked up into bed with tea, toast and baby. Your feeding choice is totally repected - fantastic breast feeding support if you need it. I fondly remember my firstlesson in bathing my baby. Wallingford is what maternity care should be like everywhere.

Thanks Poppy100 - that was just what I needed to hear...

Have to admit that I'd heard wonderful things about them, but my experience so far (from the visit and subsequent phone calls) hasn't filled me with confidence. I keep telling DH that they'll be more supportive when we're there in front of them. He's not convinced though...

I've heard good things too. I thought it was possible to transfer to Royal Berkshire as well as the Oxford hospital? I think the distance is about even. Could be wrong though.

They've only mentioned transfers to the JR - as they're linked.
I think it is slightly nearer to go to the JR from Wallingford but I'm kind of hoping that it just won't become an issue - DS1's birth was very straight forward and I'm hoping this one will be too.

Although baby is in the wrong position so apparently we're discussing c/s options at my next mw appointment.

Wallingford is fab! Went there initially with DD but had to be transferred to JR due to high blood pressure. Ambulance transfer not quite what I had planned but not too bad. Midwife came with me in ambulance.

Transferred back for 1 night after giving birth. Only 4 beds on ward so very nice and small with high staff to patient ratio. Also had a lovely aromatherapy bath run for me Excellent support for breast feeding.

Midwives will keep an eye on the babies so mums can all sit down for meals which was nice.

DC2 due in June and would love to go there again subject to blood pressure!

My SIL had her DS1 there in 2006 and had a fabulous experience. They live around the corner so literally walked up as she was labouring. They are due to have DC2 there this May.
If your baby is in a difficult position they probably will advise you against it though

Good luck with the m/w and the baby's position, newmomma. Plenty of time for it to move .