heartlands hospital, birmingham

[lolajane2009]

Anyoone had any babies here recently?

I've been assigned to this hospital instead of Solihull and wondered if anyone had recent experience of it.

I think I might be very high risk. The midwife put high risk then the consultant wrote the same and underlined it.

I wanted a water birth at solihull but been told I'm only allowed heartlands.

I have just posted on the childbirth forum about the new uni at Solihull as I have to choose between heartlands, warwick or Solihull. Want to go to Solihull but not keen on midwife led unit as had epi last time. My friend is a gp who worked at heartlands and has said it's got a great baby unit and would def go there. And def not to good hope - or no hope as it is often referred to!
I'll be keen to hear other people's experiences in these hospitals too...

I went to Heartlands for all 3 of my babies. I was high risk (Gestational diabetes in all 3 preghnancies and severe preeclampsia in first two).
I sadly lost my first baby due to severe preeclampsia at 24 weeks but have to say they were extremely attentive when things got serious and I could not fault them. For my second baby, I was attached to a senior consultant experienced in dealing with preeclampsia and followed a strict plan of care with him overseeing everything - and when preeclampsia reared its ugly head again they left me feeling I was in safe hands. My son was born at 31+3 and straight into the hands of their neonatal team which I agree are very good and I again can't fault. Third pregnancy and I was confident that I wanted to go back there again. This time I was managed almost completely by the diabetic team and seen very regularly (weekly after about 12 weeks, alternating between them and community midwife). My baby was born at full term and no preeclampsia.

The one thing I would say is that the breastfeeding support was a bit lacking, unlike at the women's which i have heard are very hot on breastfeeding support and will let you stay until you can feed you baby how you want to. For high risk pregnancies and premature babies though I would say they are great.

PS. Sorry for any typo's - have had a little person sitting on my knee and pressing the buttons!