How to travel to hospital for/after birth - help

[wondering7777]

I have two hospitals near me, one a 10 minute drive and the other (my preferred) a 25 minute drive.

Unfortunately while I can drive, DH can’t. I’ve read that some hospitals insist you can only leave after birth with a car and baby seat. What am I going to do?

Although coming to think of it, even if you usually got the bus many might choose to go in a taxi on this occasion so yeah it probably does make it a lot safer for the babies - otherwise you would have a lot of babies going home in taxis not in car seats. So actually not a silly rule on second thought.

I guess so, although if neither parent drives then presumably they'd have to buy a car seat just to leave the hospital and then never use it again! Which seems a bit silly.

Another person who walked out holding DD in my arms.

Car seat was in my friends car but the midwives didn't know that or even ask. Told me I could go home and off I went...

Maybe it all depends on the hospital then - they did check ours which included making sure the straps were tight enough, because many new parents (like me) are worried about squashing our newborns and underestimating how tight is correct and safe.

Hospital staff cannot dictate how or when you choose to leave. It is your responsibility and your decision. If you want to put them in a back pack and cycle you can - although it might be unwise.
There is no ‘rule’ there is policy to recommend only. If you want public transport, use public transport. If you want to walk, walk.
Responsibility for the well-being and safety of the baby falls parents from birth although hospitals have a duty of care, parents can override this unless there is a clear safeguarding concern.
That said, you might be feeling like you’d rather have the comfort of a car.

It's 20+ years since I gave birth but surely the hospital can't dictate how you get home? They don't have time to come out & check, surely?

I have friends who left on foot, they had their baby in a carrycot on the pram chassis. They only insist on the car seat if you leave by car (including taxi) in big cities they won't be fazed if you day you are walking/bus but have a plan b in case you don't feel like it (I was shopping the day after I gave birth but I'm an outlier!) you will need a car seat if you ever go into a car or taxi remember

I've gone to hospital in labour in Ubers. They will take you.
You need your own car seat really. Taxis aren't required to carry them and if they do they usually the worst seats in terrible condition. And probably not suitable for a newborn. Buy a newborn car seat that's suitable for use with a seatbelt - a lot are. Then get your DH to practice fitting it in your car so he can do so in the taxi. Good luck!

Do you have any minicab companies nearby? I'd give them a ring and ask them if they'd drive you there and back. They'll usually have car seats as well (at least in my experience). Just discuss with them beforehand, I can't imagine you won't find one that will be happy to help - have found them to be really friendly.

@wondering7777 Have you asked your friends (who can drive) if they could use your car to collect you? It doesn't have to be complicated or drawn out. Most shops will provide a free professional fitting service for new car seats. It ensure the seat is fitted correctly.

Hi OP,
With DC1 I took the bus there. Do not do this!!!! It was awful! Get a taxi.
DH drives but parking at the hospital is awful and were worried he’d miss the main event as he wouldn’t be Able to park. As it was he was still at work when I needed to go in so let me there (after the bus journey from hell!!!)

With a first baby it’s likely you’ll have plenty of time so even if the taxi is late or you need to ring for a second you’ll be fine. Leave it all to your DP to sort out and don’t worry about it: it’s one of the few things they can do to help!

With DC2 i’d been dithering about taxi/drive/bus options in the end I told DH to figure it out and just get me there which helped me feel less stressed as I knew it ‘wasn’t my job’ iyswim

Get something like the maxi cosi which can be clipped in and out or used with the seat belt and get a taxi. Surely if you can drive you were going to get a car seat anyway? So just take it with you. I did this.