Anyone live in Oxford give birth in Wallingford?

[Chloris33]

Having looked at all the options I think I'd really like the Wallingford maternity unit best, it sounds great and I know I'll be more comfortable in a small environment rather than in a big hospital. But I actually live in Oxford, ten mins from JR Hospital, so does that sound too crazy? Wallingford will be a 25 min drive. I know there's the Spires midwife unit in the JR, but they only have 3 rooms and 1 birthing pool, and I would hate not to get in, also would prefer not to be on a big hospital ward afterwards.

That's not crazy at all. I only know one person who went to Wallingford - because Wantage was closed - and she ended up in the JR anyway as needed forceps. But I know plenty of people who have given birth in the one in Wantage who really liked it, that's a similar distance from Oxford. I went to the Spires and that was great too, and much newer and nicer than our unit, but I understand your worry about not having space. You could call ahead? There might not be space at Wallingford either.

So to answer your question, no, I don't think it's mad, I did the same journey in the opposite direction for a maternity unit when there's one on my doorstep, go where you feel most comfortable.

I would totally do that if I had the option. I'm consultant led, so will be in the labour ward at JR - I don't like the place at all, my knees go wobbly every time I walk in the door! Would much rather be somewhere 'cosy'.