Elective c section - does hospital choice matter?

[Woodlandwitch]

I will have asking for an ELective CS with baby #2.

I had number one by EMCS at Watford but it’s equally as easy to get to Stoke Mandeville

When having a c section does hospital choice make much of a difference?

How should I pick?

Yes because some hospital trusts don't grant maternal request c-sections (although you may be advised to have one anyway after an EMCS?)

If it is maternal request, the organization Birth Rights has a good list of which hospital trusts grant them.

Milton Keynes might be the better option now as it’s a teaching hospital linked to the University of Buckinghamshire.

It’s not maternal request - OP has had a previous CS.

OP, it doesn’t really make any difference. I would look at what facilities are available in each hospital and see which you would feel most comfortable in, or any other factors such as being easy to get to. Lots of maternity units have a page on the hospital website with a virtual tour or photos.

I had an elective second time round and chose the hospital which was slightly further away but which had private rooms (with en suite!) instead of postnatal wards. It meant DH could stay overnight and deal with nappy changes/ passing me the baby/ helping me out of bed which was invaluable. I was lucky to have a NHS hospital with those facilities close to me, I don't know if that is an option for you, but worth looking into.

I definitely would be asked for a private amenity roomthis time.

Last time people were bringing in take away Indian food to the ward at all weird hours which stank and everyone seemed to have their (very farty and snory) men staying too