To PRUH or not to PRUH??

[NQTmumGreenwich]

Hi ladies,

I'm due to have my baby in August and am in a dilemma as to where to choose for the birth! I've been given the choice of Queen Elizabeth in Woolwich, Princess Royal in Farborough (PRUH) or the birthing centre which is attached to the PRUH (the Oasis Centre?)...

Just wanted to know if anyone else has any pointers as to where's best (or any horror stories!?) ...or if anyone has personal experience of any of these places?

I've heard that birthing centres offer a much more homely, non-clinical environment for those people who are forcast an 'uncomplicated' labour! But can't find anything about the centre at the PRUH...

...HELP! All advice gratefully recieved!

The centre at PRUH has only just opened which might be why no info yet?

Meant to add - my neighbour who's giving birth next month had a look at the centre and said it looks lovely - like a hotel room. Can you organise a tour?

My midwife said she didn't think they did tours - but she reckoned if I gave them a call someone might show me a room. Think I'll ring and see what they say - will report back if tours are available...

Well my friend had a look around - so def worth asking! Unless I misunderstood her. I know the PRUH didn't do tours when I was pregnant, which was a couple of years ago.

I have had all 3 of my kids at PRUH and cannot recommend highly enough. Had ds1&2 in the hospital (ds1 complicated, scary birth ended up in theatre with man with Hoover!, ds2 quite straight forward) I then had ds3 at the birthing centre in January this year. The centre is really really lovely. I had him in the pool, had 3 lovely midwives and great after care. It's really peaceful there and doesn't have the hectic feel of a hospital yet you're just a set of double doors away from the labour ward if you need a bit of extra help. Maybe I just got lucky and of course there will be others with horror stories but I could not have asked for more from the staff or facilities (had my own room post delivery with ds1&2).

There were people being shown round the birthing centre when I was there so definitely worth giving them a call. Good luck!