Labour - pinderfields Wakefield

[bluemarie87]

Hi ladies, I am due to have a baby in jan (my first) and I'm hoping to have him at pinderfields in Wakefield. Does anyone have any experience of labours at this hospital? If so can you please share them. I would like a Waterbirth but what are the chances as I've read there is only 1 pool?

Hey!
I gave birth in the labour ward at pinderfields last week. I ended up in the the pool room as it was the only one free although due to needing to be on the monitor for various reasons, I wasn't actually allowed in the pool! My experience of the labour ward was great, my midwife was lovely and I was really well looked after both during and after labour (apart from a short gap where I was left for a couple of hours desperate for a wash but unable to move and I couldn't reach my buzzer for help). If you have a low risk pregnancy, I think there are two pools in the midwife led unit at pinderfields too! I don't have anywhere to compare the hospital to as this was my first, but I'd definitely go back if I decide to have more babies! The staff are all so lovely and supportive.

Thanks for the reply. I'm really anxious as you might imagine. I've read a lot about water births the only reason I would sway to not is because you can't have the epidural and I'd like to at least have the option :)

I gave birth in pinderfields, had planned a water birth in the MLU but needing an induction meant I was in the labour ward.

Induction ward was great, 4 people to a room but surprisingly private. Very clean, the midwives were very kind and kept me company as I paced up and down the halls all night try to get Labour going after the pessary. Consultants who checked me were also very kind and explained very clearly what was happening.

Once I got to the Labour ward, again the midwives were kind and the consultant signed me off for an epidural straight away which helped my anxiety. Unfortunately I’m the one in 20 where an epidural doesn’t work, but I was given access to other painkillers. The room was clean and comfortable and I was never left alone (which is exactly what I wanted as I needed the support), I was allowed to play music (take a portable speaker with you if it’s important to have it playing as they don’t have blutooth in the labour ward).

Following the birth, the consultants again were great at stitching me up however the midwife I had didn’t support me with breastfeeding. I wont go into detail because I don’t want to increase any anxiety you might have, but it was a really negative part of the process for me.

Post natal was fine, quite busy and loud to be honest but I think it’s like that anywhere. I would give birth in pinderfields again, none of the negatives outweigh the positives for me. Let me know if you have any specific questions l can help with.

@bluemarie87 I know what you mean about the epidural. There's nothing to say you couldn't try the water and change your mind though, if you decided you wanted an epidural after all, they should be able to move you across to the labour ward for it if you started in the midwife unit or just get you out of the water and stay in the pool room. I know that's a bit of a faff but still an option!

On the topic of an epidural, I don't know if it's just because I was on the induction drip, purely good timing or a regular thing but they were incredibly fast at getting me an epidural when I asked for one. The anaesthetist was in and ready to go within minutes of me asking!

im having my baby at pinders in january too :-)

Thanks for all the replies. It does help to read other people's stories :)

@bessie84 oh wow! What date are you due?

26th jan. but having a c-section there 2-3 weeks early.

when are you due?

@bessie84 7th jan so quite possibly May cross paths. It's my first so I'm so nervous hence why I'm doing so much research into everything haha

aaww we definately may cross paths.

my last baby was born at pinders, everyone is so nice. :-) x

I wanted a water birth but was induced so wasnt allowed. I did 11 days there in total, staff were amazing bar one or two nob heads. When I went to look around they said near enough when you've had baby your put into another room to recover so pool is near enough always ready theres also another one on labour ward. I did 5 days sat in induction bay waiting for a bed, then went to labour ward, was induced by drip and water broke stuck to bed with monitor, did 23 hours to 10cm and 2 hours pushing before went to theatre for attentive episiotomy and forceps but had a emcs instead. Baby was then born but was poorly and taken to nicu, we then stayed another 5 days. Although traumatic my baby was looked after well and to me that's all that matters, midwives on labour ward were bloody amazing. If I have another I'll be returning x