Labour - which hopsital in manchester?

[CrabFeet]

Hi, i'm currently low risk pregnancy and had to pick to give birth between north manchester general, st marys (Oxford road) or whythenshaw. I picked st marys labour ward (oxford road). Can I ask what people's experience of being at St Mary's was like? Because I'm currently a low risk pregnancy, I've noticed that whenever I say I'm having the baby there at my pregnancy yoga group etc, I'm being made to feel like I shouldn't be going there (I.e should be going to a birth centre which are only offered at either north manchester or whythenshaw). Obviously don't know how I'll feel during labour and want to get as far as I can, but find the option for pain relief such as epidural reassuring. Xx

I had both of my babies there and had exceptional care throughout. I highly recommend them. During my antenatal appointments, the wait times were long but I just expected that and took a book along with me.

Anytime I had to go in for monitoring (low movements), they were wonderful. I was well-looked after during labour and birth. They also allow you to return with any post-birth complications rather than going to a general hospital and baby can stay with you. In my case, I developed severe mastitis and was on the sepsis pathway when baby was 7 days old. I was re-admitted to St Mary's (rather than my local hospital, Tameside) and baby and I stayed in for four nights until I was well enough to leave again.

My second child was born with a genetic disorder, which was discovered at birth, and she was quickly seen by the genetics team within St Mary's, and had checks done by dermatology in the children's hospital, and ophthalmology in the eye hospital all before she was discharged. If we'd been in a different hospital, we wouldn't have had those hospitals right next to us (as all 4 of those hospitals are linked), and we've continued to receive fantastic aftercare through the hospitals for her.

Sorry people are making you feel weird about giving birth at St Mary's! I'm planning to give birth there when my second comes along in August because it's so much closer to home. I did actually have my first at Wythenshawe (ECS) but St. Mary's was always first choice. I've had exceptional care there through both pregnancies 😊. I find it strange that other mums to be would be judging someone else's perfectly sensible decision! Xx

Thanks so much for both of your replies. I'm so pleased you both had positive experiences and you and your babies were looked after well. You've really reassured me. I'm sticking with st marys as I've also had a positive experience so far and im nervous but so excited now! X