Anyone planning on going to a midwife led centre after delivering in hosp?

[cfc]

My friend just did this in Derbyshire. She delivered in hospital (her 2nd VBAC) and then transferred to the local (actually quite far away) Midwife Led Unit for a few days before returning home to be with her family and her new LO.

She said it was totally gorgeous there. A real home from home with midwives to help you feed, if you need it, and they said things to her like 'go on, have yourself a long steam in the bath and we'll take her for half hour - we'll knock if there's anything she needs fom you'.

I do have a mlu close by and was wondering if I could ring them to ask them about this 'service'....but what if they laugh at me?! It sounds so lovely, but too good to be true (for me at least?!).

Anyone have any experience?

Hi

I am planning to do this. I am considered too high risk to deliver in my local MLU but I am very keen to be transferred over post delivery for post natal care before returning home to my other DC and general mad house :o

My MW and health professionals at consultant led unit are very supportive of this.

I'm due to have my baby in 2 weeks time so i'll let you know how things work out :)

Thanks for getting back to me Emma, I am due in about 12 days so we'll have to keep an eye on each other's progress!

I might call the MLU and see what they say, or in fact, I'll just ring my midwife now that I know it's not out of the ordinary.

Good luck Emma. :)

Do check out your local MLU before asking though. I saw photos of one near here and okay, it wasn't clinical like a hospital, but the furniture was old, the beds looked uncomfortable and overall it just wasn't somewhere I'd want to be!

My local hospital is keen for you to transfer to the MLU if you want for your postnatal care - I think it frees up a lot of space/time for them, plus you get a lot more support re: breastfeeding etc etc there as they have more time to help.

I wouldnt worry about anyone laughing at you, I'm sure it will be completely normal and actually a good thing for the hospital where you deliver.

Good luck. I was due 8 days ago and will decide after delivery if I want to stay in/transfer.

Hi,
I did this with dd3 (my 2nd vbac too) and it was utter bliss! I was lucky, it was very quiet and I had a whole room to myself with ensuite shower, tv with a remote, comfy bed, tea/coffee toast making just down the hall, etc, etc.
It was my plan to go there after the birth but actually all beds in the hospital were full so I went straight from labour ward to the birthing centre, all within a couple of hours. I only stayed one night as wanted to get home to other 2 but it was the best start ever.
I am currently pregnant with number 4 and although this birth centre recently shut there is another one opened up so I shall go and have a look and plan to be in there for one, maybe 2!!, nights.
Have a word with your mw as she should know all transfer procedures.
Would definitely recommend!