Giving birth at Worcester or Hereford Hospitals

10 replies

Greendoor1 · 20/01/2015 13:46

Hello all,
We have recently moved to the area, and our third child is due in May. We live halfway between Worcester and a Hereford hospitals, and need to decide which would be the best to give birth in. Could anyone let me know about their experiences at either hospital, and whether they'd be happy to go back again? I'm hoping for a relatively low intervention birth this time round...
Thank you!

OP posts:

ShiningBright · 22/01/2015 12:05

Hi Greendoor,

I can't say as I had a home birth, but from tales I've heard of Worcester I'd be very wary. I think you have to be extremely assertive whatever you choose. Aren't there stats online about intervention rates?

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Original poster

Greendoor1 · 22/01/2015 19:43

Thanks v much Shining. That is slightly worrying... Normally I don't have a problem with being assertive, but when I'm in labour it's a different question! We're going on a tour next weekend, so I'll see what we make of it.
Any other advice would be very great fully received!

OP posts:

ShiningBright · 22/01/2015 22:46

Yes, women ARE vulnerable in labour. Is your dh/dp good at sticking up for you? As this is your 3rd dc I'm sure you know much more now about what you need & want/don't want - I've only had one and won't be having more! I just wrote a very specific birth plan and I had a 3rd year student who, bless her, did everything she could to help me.

I had a friend with vbac at Worcs. she wanted a pool and they kept insisting she got out periodically to monitor her - wtaf? She came across as a very assertive person but she did what they told her!
I've heard bad experiences of Hereford too - what I consider to be bullying but perhaps others would think it is reasonable to have an induction if you are 10 days over due date but it's the scare tactics they use that I object to & not offering women choices. Oh well, that's just mho.

If I could have done anything differently and maybe this is something to consider, it's that if I could possibly have afforded it or persuaded ex-dh as I wasn't earning, I would have had a doula as the midwives jobs were definitely doing the practical and safety bit and as vital as that is the qualified ones provided no emotional support whatsoever - and I really needed it. The student was my lifesaver, but if I could have had a doula who was really on my side it would have made all the difference as ex-dp was useless and although I had a 'lovely' home birth it was a very lonely and not very happy experience.

CalmerBirth · 24/01/2015 13:57

Worcester has a new Midwifery Led Unit opening in April 2015, go and visit both Hereford and Worcester and see which 'feels right' for you. You will 'let go' and birth better when you feel safest.
The new MLU is going to be a great place to birth

Bubalie · 10/03/2015 14:54

I had a very good experience of Worcester Hospital 3.5 years ago. My first baby and I was looked after extremely well. Stayed in hospital for 2 days after to establish breastfeeding and every single person has been marvellous. If I have another one I'm going to Worcester again (also have 2 choices - Worcester or Redditch). I hope this helps to re-assure you :)

samsonthecat · 10/03/2015 15:02

I've been to Cheltenham for both DC. I would recommend that you look there as well. (Worcester is my closest but I didn't want to go there)

worccyclist · 13/03/2015 20:45

I had a c-section in Worcester back in 2007. We joked it was a 'centre of excellence' for c-sections as it had such a high rate (30+%). Then I had a vbac in 2010. I had planned a home birth but DS2 decided to arrive a bit early so I went in. They were lovely, I think because they knew how disappointed I was at not getting a home birth. Ds2 was born without painkillers or cuts. Worryingly the midwife said it was the first time she'd experienced that. I refused to be hooked up to a machine and they just took pulse of me or baby regularly. Both times they were pretty useless at getting breastfeeding established.

worccyclist · 13/03/2015 20:46

Would also consider a home birth. Malvern midwives are pretty experienced.

seventhgonickname · 14/07/2017 21:53

If it's and uncomplicated birth I would recommend the new Meadow suite in Worcester which is midwifery lead.
All of the hospital's in the area are very busy which is why experiences vary so much.
Outside the Meadow suite the c section in Worcester is higher than the national average but they make the experience a good one.
See how you feel on visits and you will see your local midwives too.The hispitals have set up links to other mums to support breastfeeding in the community too.
Enjoy your pregnancy.

TheImprobableGirl · 16/07/2017 12:08

Is been two and a half years seventh if they are still pregnant then neither Hereford nor Worcester will be able to help
Fwiw I've given birth in both! I agree you need to be assertive in Worcester but both are lovely and clean; had the misfortune to use SCBU and NICU at both hospitals too and again can say that it is absolutely faultless. When babies were ill both hospitals moved me to a private side room, Hereford were a bit free-er with giving out nappies and pre made bottles but a lovely midwifery unit at both!

Food slightly better at Worcester but Hereford has a Morrisons and KFC about 3 minutes walk away. Parking horrendous on site for both but obviously with Morrissons so close at Hereford many use that or the Bus Station/old odeon car park and walk across :)

Flip