where to have baby!

[HazB2010]

I'm only 6 weeks pregnant, but have already had to say where I want to give birth (I know, it's normal, but seems sooo early!). I'm in Market Harborough and plumped for LRI over Kettering... I guess I can change my mind - would anyone recommend one over the other? Thanks X

I am 29wks and had same dilema over lri or general - chose lri as closest and easy for appointments as close to husbands work, all hospitals have their good and bad points and someone will have a great story to share and equally someone will have a horror story to share.

I know people that are very happy with LRI, I went for the general though and was happy with my treatment.

My friend had her 2 at Kettering (last time 6 yrs ago) & was happy. Chose it over LRI.

I went to the general from Fleckney. I had a great experience there and switched from the LRI during my pregnancy. I found the antenatal care much better than the LRI. I think they tend to be less busy too as the LRI get emergency cases.

Having worked at both, decided to book & have DD at LRI in 2008 & booked there again this time, has the benefit of a midwife-led unit that is sandwiched between delivery suite, the operating theatres & the big neonatal unit so you can have a non-medicalised birth experience with everything just down the corridor/upstairs should you need it. The postnatal care could have been better as the wards are very busy, but overall was pleased & was a positive experience (& going back for more ).

I had DS at LRI and had okay experience on del suite but postnatal ward not so great. I am now booked into the General for second baby. So far antenatal care seems more relaxed there. I was admitted with contractions at about 25 weeks and they were amazing - very friendly and attentive. Even lovely to DS.

I am sure they are both fine though. Not sure how good Kettering is as have no experience.

:)

Saint Mary's birth Centre in Melton Mowbray. It is within your 'catchment' on Melton Rutland and Harborough

The standard of care is PHENOMINAL! The staff know you by name, and the ward is immaculate - and only 8 beds in the whole maternity place. They are excellent with helping people to breastfeed and not at all judgemental if you don't want to or can't. Meals are served on an actual plate at an actual table, rather than out of a plastic tray on a metal trolley to be taken back you your bed. There is a MASSIVE bath, like a swimming pool, that is always clean, and the room is plenty big enough to take your baby in there in his little cot. The ward is bright, airy, and above all, quiet...

The General, by comparison, is an over crowded, over heated, understaffed hell hole where the staff couldn't care less about you once the baby is out of your vagina and you never get fed.

Please use st Mary's - it's underused.

I had DS2 at General. Friends all recommended it over LRI due to being less frantic, fewer emergency cases etc. Also much much easier to park at! I have no complaints about the General.

Everyone in Melton hates the General. We go back to Melton after discharging ourselves as soon as possible, and if we can, we go to St Mary's for some aftercare, which is more to be expected from a private ward - yet it's NHS - and the midwives are very happy for you to do this - they feel the first couple of days are important and you should have help.

The leicester staff just seem to want you to piss of out of their bed so they can give it to someone who needs it more.