Bury hospital vs Ipswich? Consultant led

[amberdixie]

Hello.

I'm new to the area and recently found out I'm expecting my 3rd baby.

Can I ask if anyone has any feedback on either hospital; particularly if you were consultant led? My first was a CS due to undiagnosed GD and size of baby, second GD VBAC, third time I have GD again so assume due to that and previous section they'll want me consultant led. The main thing is I'm really keen on a water birth - does anyone know if this is possible at either hospital?

Thanks.

Hi,
I haven't had my baby yet (any week now 😬🥰) but I am due to give birth at West Suffolk Hospital. I have no experience of Ipswich so can't comment but my experiences so far of West Suffolk have been nothing but positive. I have hyperemesis and was admitted to the gynae ward early on; they were phenomenal and after months of feeling so unwell with very little support from my GP (not entirely their fault, it's not their specialty afterall) I was finally given a plan of action to manage it and it honestly made me feel human again. I've also needed extra growth scans every few weeks and every time, again, wonderful. The midwives and consultants have been so reassuring and caring. I went in for one episode of reduced movements and again, wonderful. Every person I've come into contact with has been very kind, I can't fault them.
I have also been reassured that if all is well with my latest growth scan this week, I can go to the birthing unit where they do indeed have birthing pools. I think it obviously depends on availability on the day but they definitely have them.

Welcome to Suffolk. Good luck with your baby.

I was consultant led last time at WSH in Bury and wasn't allowed a water birth. Not sure things have changed since but due DC2 in July and consultant led again so I'll let you know if I find out!

PS they definitely do have birthing pools at WSH, I just wasn't able to use one due to being in Labour Suite rather than Birthing Unit.

Thank you both! I have heard nothing but positive comments about Bury and their website says they encourage vaginal births etc but I have a feeling Ipswich do offer pools on the consultant led unit? I am leaning towards WSH so thank you both for your input. Hoping there's the option of a water birth (picture looks like it on their website but I can't get the virtual tour to load) but we'll see. Good luck to you both.

Just seen there's a labour suite pool room! Excellent.