Kettering or Northampton hosiptals have midwife-led units? Your stories.

[Hubbubs]

Although I'd prefer home birth, I'm going with the father's preference for hospital this time, but can anyone offer views on whether Kettering (KGH) or Northampton (NGH) have the better maternity units?

I'm particularly interested in a midwife led unit if either have such or private rooms or facilities as absolutely close to home birthing as possible, but with the access to emergency obstetric care that the father's peace of mind requires.

I'd also be interested in anyone who's used hypnobirthing or other calming techniques as my partner is currently unaware I have somewhat of a hospital phobia, so I anticipate labour is going to be stressful and will need to counteract this.

I would appreciate no recommendations to gen him up on the benefits of home birthing instead, as he is unconvinced and I stand by his preference.

Thankyou

Kgh is my local hospital, as it happens i am giving birth there tomorrow. Not relevant to me as i am not low risk but there is definitely not a midwife led unit. There is a pool room but you cant guarantee availability. There is not the option to have a private room on the post natal ward. Partners are sent home at 8pm unless exceptional circumstances. It is very much not a home from home birthing experience.

don't know about Northampton. In stuck at Kettering due to all my consultant care having been there. If i had the choice i would go elsewhere with better facilities. I couldn't fault the medical care at kgh though.
i would look up what is on offer at northampton to see if they have a mlu.
it is you giving birth not your partner at the end of the day. You need to have a proper talk with him about how you feel about the hospital.

Thanks kits. It doesn't sound like KGH is going to be suitable then from what you have written.

I wonder if the 8pm curfew applies to partners of those in labour? My previous two were born well into the dark hours so I'm expecting the same again.

Warm wishes for you for tomorrow :)

Oh no, if you are on labour ward you can have a birth partner at any time. Its the ante/post natal ward that has visiting hours. Not when you are in established labour!