Birth plans

[MimosasInFrance]

Hi everyone, it's my first pregnancy so everything is very new to me!

Considering my options for birth. I'm with UCLH and so have the option of their birth centre or labour ward. The birth centre is apparently right next to the ward, so could be transferred if I needed e.g. an epidural, which sound good in principle but wondering how likely it is for that to happen in reality? Am I going to get fobbed off until I'm past the point I can have one?

I think I'd rather go for the birth centre for the fact that it's a slightly less clinical environment, more space to move around etc and as hospitals make me nervous. But not at the expense of proper pain relief if I need it!

Does anyone have any experiences or advice? Obviously I'm aware I could end up needing a C-section - but I figure if that's the case they aren't going to faff around and it will just happen without me having to do much!

No you won’t be fobbed off if you request an epidural. If you’re suitable for low risk midwifery care and you want to use other options to manage pain such as the pool birth centre is a great option for you. Good luck!

I think that sounds like a good plan OP. You won't get fobbed of but you do need to advocate for yourself. Also I had an epidural at 9.5cm so I don't really understand the 'too late to have one' thing...

Anyway, I would recommend reading the positive birth book by Milli Hill which discusses all the different birthing options and how to make the right decisions for you . But most importantly how to advocate for yourself and how you want to birth, in a system that's dictated by 'policy and procedure' rather than the instincts of the mother.

@Spottypineapple I’m a midwife and always say the only time it’s too late for an epidural is when we can see the head 🥰

I think it’s important to be realistic about the pressures the nhs is under. When you arrive there is often a wait for a bed on labour ward or birth centre, and often a wait for an epidural which can mean you may not be able to get one if you ask later on in labour. Not saying don’t go for birth centre but if you need an epidural that adds another wait as you may need to wait for a labour ward bed, you won’t be high priority if labour is progressing normally as you already have a bed on the birth centre, and then when you get one the anaesthetist may not be available straight away. I’d personally go straight to labour ward if I thought I may want one, but of course everyone has different views.