Advice on Cornwall hospitals/birthing centres/private OBs please

[Pinkie2103]

Hello

I'm not pregnant yet but we're planning to start TTC #2 in the New Year. Only problem is that #1 was born in Australia (I moved out here from the UK 8 years ago) and from my initial research things are a little different in the UK so I'm after advice on what my options would be in Cornwall, specifically near St Ives

In addition, my son was born via CS and whilst I haven't ruled out a VBAC I don't want to rule out an elective CS either. I had a very straightforward pregnancy with my first and we had a private OB who was great when things started going wrong but I need to start researching my options again so would really appreciate any help or advice

Many thanks!

I'm in Cornwall.
I think there is a midwife led unit in St.Austell and Helston. Both of which are properly inconvenient for you.

Then there's treliske consultant led in Truro.

I really don't think it would be that easy to get an elective section here.

I have also had a look and cannot find any private care.
The only other option could be a homebirth with private midwives if you wanted private care.

There are a couple of independent midwives or doulas/groups too.

www.facebook.com/pages/Nurturing-Your-Birth-Doula/158080217574426?fref=ts

www.facebook.com/pages/MamaCafe/408269652602657?fref=ts

Good links Lagoon.

How would you feel about a homebirth Pinkie? You could hire a lovely independent midwife/doula. If you have a low risk pregnancy it could be a good option.

I keep hearing many bad things about Treliske.
I will be opting for a homebirth. I cannot afford independent care unfortunately so will be using the NHS.

some of my friends have used Rachel or Evony.

There is a strong positive birth movement in cornwall and there are still plans for a midwife led birth unit at Treliske. I hope this doesn't mean the others will close as Cornwall is so rural they really do need them.

Ive had a birth in both Treliske and Penrice the latter was brilliant. I hope things have changed at Treliske and have heard good recent things. I also have friends who work in maternity and they are good people but to be honest its about resources and time.

Yes the staff are generally brilliant, just like you say resources and time are stretched.

I had no idea there's plans for a MLU at Treliske, that would be great. Any idea when they are looking at doing this?

There was a survey but now closed!

Thanks everyone for your comments. As I said above, its all a little new to me and having done a little research I couldn't really figure out where I would go!

So my options are really a homebirth, consultant led in Truro or a bit of a drive out to St.Austell (Penrice) and Helston?

Home births do seem more popular there than here and I certainly wouldn't rule it out for a VBAC (if I can convince my husband!) but if there were complications where would I be transferred? Likewise, if I was to go to the birthing centre at Penrice where would I be taken if I needed more assistance

With my son my waters broke at 40 weeks but after about 32 hours and no contractions I was induced. Didn't dilate much, was in a lot of pain and then sons heart rate kept dropping so I ended up with the CS. Poor thing came out with a cone head so he was obviously trying to come out the right way!

Just a bit worried about the same thing happening so obviously want to look at my options

Thanks again
PB

Hi Pinkie.

You would be transferred to Truro if any complications at home or Penrice. I have decided on a homebirth as it is closer to home than Penrice in an emergency.

Or any complications at Penrice you would be transferred to Truro.
Sorry it was a bit unclear above.

Thanks Clargo55 - that does make sense :)

Also wondering why you didn't think it would be easy to get an elective cs in Cornwall? Don't get me wrong, I'd prefer a natural delivery and went out of my way to prepare for one with my first but a lot of Mums over here seem to book in for an elective cs if they had one with their first

Thanks again for all the info!

Private hospitals would no problem. However there are not any private in Cornwall. The NHS hospitals usually only give sections as a necessity. Either an emergency in unexpected circumstances or a scheduled section due to a know problem or high risk.

If you have had a previous cs then you are automatically considered high risk and would be offered an elective at Treliske. (I had a cs there in 2010 and am currently expecting DC2 so I'm speaking from experience). Your high risk status will probably also mean that you have to really fight if you want a homebirth - they won't encourage it at all.
My antenatal care, labour care and cs were fantastic at Treliske. The postnatal ward was hellish.
If you had problems at either Penrice, Helston or at home they would blue light you to Treliske.

I was high risk and had ds in treliske in 2011.

Was generally a good experience. Although I found such comments as:
" quiet, you are going to scare the other women"
While giving birth back to back unable to move, tearing badly and with no pain relief whatsoever rather unhelpful.

However, every woman ive known around here apart feom ine, has given birth there, and the general consenus was that everyone was very competent and supportive.

Id definatley have any future dcs there as overall it was a good ezperience.

Not massively helpful but thought id give a view on it.

Thanks again everyone

Looks like Treliske may be my only option if they consider me high risk (which is a bit of a shame) but its good to know so I really appreciate all the comments. Would all prenatal appointments therefore be at Treliske too

Not even pregnant yet and seem to be spending a lot of time researching this!!