How to choose what hosptial to have baby in!!!

[bumpitup]

Hi there
8 wks pregnant and have first midwife appointment in 2 weeks, but am amazed at how much I am supposd to have already decided at this point! My appointment is at the 'local' hospital but there is another plae a little further away I'm interested in. How do I get good independant advice (experintial would also be great) so I can make a fully informed choice???

Really appreciate all thoughts and advice!
Thanks
Caroline

I am stuck between two hospitals and my GP's in linked to one but I have chosen the other as it is a little nearer for me adn I thought travel time might be the biggest concern for me, it has messed up my community midwife scenario slightly but they are used to it, because of the size of the gp's catchment area.

You could google but I would advise to look at reputable sites, there is also somethig on the NHS website where people can leave feedback which is sometimes useful but you might have to trawl through to find those relevant to just maternity unit.

Or there is a local mumsnet section and you could ask on there too I am sure there is at least one person on here who has used both hospitals for you to ask.

My best source of advice was our doula. She was the one who opened our eyes to the possibility of choosing our hospital, and gave lots of suggestions based on what we said we were looking for.

The main advice I'd give is to go and have a look around for yourself (many hospitals run tours at set times) and get a gut feel for the facilities and staff. My most-local hospital doesn't do tours , so that is a big reason for me choosing not to go there!

Otherwise, ask for opinions on Mumsnet and people you meet locally, and Google.

And remember, you can still switch quite late on in pregnancy, although it may mean repeat paperwork, blood tests and scans at the new place.

Last time around I didn't switch until around 30 weeks. This time I've had 12-week scan at the most-local hospital and am going back next week for the 20-week scan, but after that I'll switch. This was the advice of the midwives, as then you can make sure all is "well" before making your decision (in case you need special facilities for the baby). Also you can see if you're having a normal low-risk pregnancy or are likely to need special care.

Some of my midwives have got quite arsey with me about switching, but others are fine, so just be aware of that too.

Birth Choice is a good website and has all the statistics, and have you thought about having a Homebirth?

If you want to find some people with experience of the 2 hospitals though you could always go along to your local NCT or bfing support group and chat to some of the mums there.

Congratulations too

Do a search here on Mumsnet - chances are high people have stories to tell and if nothing else, a lot of people know about local reputations. Or even just create a new thread - you never know!

A general Google will often turn up a few gems as well.

That's so helpful thanks guys...as it's my first one and I don't have many local family and friends to make recommendations, I feel at a bit of a loss. I'm also aware that when the time comes, you could have made the right choice in your eyes, but it depends on who is on duty that day at the ward, how the actual birth itself goes...I just want to have the best chance I can at the early stages.

I'll get onto those websites!
Thanks again!
Caroline x

It is very much dependent on who looks after you on the day, if you are worried you could do the NCT Antenatal Classes, they should help you to prepare. Also, if you opt for a Homebirth you will have 2 MWs in attendance for the birth. Are either of these an option for you?

You don't need to know yet!
Use the first appointment with your midwife to ask about the options local to you.
That's the best bet.
get phone numbers, and then ring round places to go and have a look.

And ask about home birth, too