Help! Childbirth options for first-timer

[donttrythisathome]

Hello,
I'm 9 weeks pregnant with my first, live in Hove and don't know anybody here to ask.

My options are RSCH or Worthing, or a homebirth or Crowborough Birth Centre.

None sound ideal, as the community midwife told me they are really busy in RSCH and that postnatal care there is non-existent (she works there).

She said that often midwifes are not available for homebirths (though it's getting better).

She said that besides the long journey to Crowborough, the nearest hospital in case of transfer (Tunbridge Wells) is not good in her opinion.

She doesn't know much about Worthing, except they're more relaxed about letting you stay on post-natally as they are less busy.

I appreciate her honesty, but feel like just crossing my legs when the time comes and going nowhere!

Any suggestions? I am really open to any advice, whether hospital/max pain relief, or hypnobirthing at home.

I can't afford private care, but could stretch to a doula if anyone has recommendations!

Sorry - long post.

Thanks everyone. I'm considering the homebirth now, but will decide nearer the time. And I'm definitely hiring a Doula!

I had home births with my first and third children and both experiences were terrific. I was due to have no 2 at home but i panicked and had an ambulance ride to RSCH. They decided to treat me as a homebirth that time and i was home within 2 hours of getting to the hospital. I've had care from 3 different midwife teams and have found there are some paople i can relate to and some i don't, but they've all been very supportive of homebirths and Brighton has a really high rate of that (well it's still only 8%)so they are well placed to support you at home.

One of my ex neighbours is a doula- i can pass on her details if you're interested.

Good luck

Thanks - can I have your details for the doula please? I have "CATed" you in case you don't want to put the details here.

I hope i replied by cat to your request - let me know if you didn't get Andie's details.

Hope all is going well

Thanks,
I did get them and replied.

I have had both my DSs in Worthing (live in Brighton). If you do go there be ready for the drive!!
Having said that in both cases our drive was done in the arly hours of the morning so really not a problem and I had a big thing in my head about trying to find parking at RSCH!
Two friends here in Brighton have had home births in the last 4 months - all good; one with Ambulance in road as midwife didn't have time to get her equipment together before she turned up!
My DS1 was an emergency section in Worthing and the MW was just lovely explaining everything as we progressed - both before op and during - I needed this.
DS2 I chose the way for it to all happen and with a bit of pushing (as it were!) Worthing were ok with my slightly unusual aproach.
I was in hospita for a week with DS1; due to section and DS1 going into special care for a bit. They were lovely.
DS2 care still good, but food has definitely deteriorated (born April 09).
Good luck donottrythis. DOn't worry, these people are professional and will help you, you just need to have an idea of what you want and be prepared to stick by it - which I know is really hard 1st time round.

Thanks mrscactus. I have booked a home-birth but need to keep an open mind, and was thinking I should really go and visit the maternity units in both Brighton and Worthing just in case...

You should certainly look round RSCH - as you rightly say, you need to keep an open mind. I had a perfectly good birth there - I was the only woman in the unit and had the individed attention of my midwife! Went home after 6 hours but loved the view from the tower out to sea - it was so beautiful and calming and such a lovely end to a tiring, emotional day.

They have a high rate of complicated births there (it's become something of a specialist unit) so can be busy, but obviously not all the time. They've got a birthing pool if you like that sort of thing

I've had lots of friends had babies in Brighton with positive experiences, and known loads of babies born in Worthing (3 myself), no complaints. Good luck whatever you choose. (And both areas seem very clued up on home births - Home Birth Diaries on Discovery Channel was filmed in this area).

Thanks Nonnomum - I'm feeling a lot more confident now.

Hi - just wanted to add to this thread to say that I have had two fab births at RSCH. First in pool with truly fantastic midwife and student and quick second birth (didn't have time to get in pool!) with another lovely midwife. Both births straight-forward and fairly fast so my experience of the ward is minimal but I agree with donkeyderby that the view adds something pleasant to the whole thing!

Good luck

I had my little boy 3 weeks ago...tried for a homebirth but was transferred to the RSCH after a loooong time in labour. I am really anti hospitals and doctors but I had such a good expereince at the hospital...don't get me wrong I would have prefered to be at home but the doctors and all the midwives were absolutley amazing. I felt very well looked after, I had to have en emergency c-sec in the end, and everyone was so efficient and caring. The care afterwards was really good aswell, there were midwives around all the time and they were all LOVELY! I know I am sounding a bit gushy but everyone always seems to be so mean about the RSCH and all the staff were so good! Try for your homebirth anyway, you might not even have to go into hospital!
If you are interested...there is a lady called Clare who does amazing pregnancy yoga, have a look at yoga mamma's...her tips and breath techniques got me through 16 hours with no pain relief....until hospital! O and re midwife availabilty at home...I had 4!! Good luck...how exciting! x x