southern general maternity

[comeagainforbigfudge]

Ladies, can I have your top tips on maternity services at sgh?

I'm having baby there but my ante-natal classes are at the Vicky, not sure if that makes any difference?

Anyway, I'm thinking practical tips on what I should be taking in with me etc

Any advice really. Feeling a bit under prepared all of a sudden. 32 weeks, ftm. Probably overthinking.

Oh I'm all set with crazy parking mind you (taxi in, parents drive us back. As OH doesn't drive)

I was in earlier this year and was surprised at how much they supplied, blankets,maternity pads,paper pants etc. just need comfy clothes for you and the baby and nappies. If you aren't breast feeding they have formula as well.
Staff were lovely the whole time I was there and very reassuring but the food is awful so if you feel like trying to eat best get someone to bring you in some snacks.
Also we don't drive so OH spent the hours between visiting times in braehead as it not too far to walk so anything you need I'm sure your partner can grab for you.
Good luck when the time comes

Oh thank you Whyhasnooneusedvimesyet that's all good to know. Need to write myself a food list now

Thanks for the luck as well

Can i ask about forth valley royal? Due there in june. Anyone have experience there (sorry for thread hijack btw) x

OP you'll be in safe hands! i had DD there end of last year and the midwifes were excellent all round. make sure to ask as many questions as u can e.g if you breastfeed they will help with latch and positions, show you how to bath baby, umbilical cord care etc. the postnatal wards are mostly 4 beds to each room just with curtains for privacy and not much luggage space so don't pack too much. comfy/stretchy clothes for you. onesies with scratch mitts built in are great for newborns. they provide towels, blankets, and cotton wool also formula milk if you are going to use that, but i took my own maternity pads also my own nappies.

as vimes said the food is bad so be prepared for that!

Sorry forgot to mention that the labour suites have iPod docking stations so remember to take your tunes. It made it a bit more home like and the arguing over what to put on next was a welcome distraction at certain points.

felkov good tip on space. Ive got a flight suitcase that has a zippy bit which I will use. One side for me. One for baby. It's like a mini tardis though! Amount of stuff I can fit in can be ridiculous. But will contain myself!!

Oh ipod station. Good plan ahead!

Tip for luggage is to have labelled bags of babygros, vests muslins etc laid out at home and then you can just give your OH/family a list if you are in hospital longer than expected. It also saves space in your bag.

I'd try to avoid getting a taxi in.

Being in active labour in front of some strange bloke isn't ideal!

The journey to hospital is uncomfortable enough without feeling like you should keep quiet whilst another contraction kicks in.

And what if your waters break en-route?

Oh no, never thought of that. Ftm alert!

What do you recommend then? OH doesn't drive

My dad can be a tad too much take charge and/or won't know what to do with himself

MIL will just be awful, will try to give me her "when I was in labour stories" and seriously pee me off. (Note, She is a very lovely, well-meaning lady, she just drives me slightly batty!)

Will discuss with my midwife at next appointment as would feel ridiculous phoning an ambulance!

I packed everything on the list and it was too much. Your partner or family can bring in things you want on visits. The only thing I'd suggest specifically is maternity pads, as the ones they supply were very uncomfortable. Also don't bring slippers you value. The floors get filthy so I was glad to have £3 pair to chuck when I left. Probably not a SGH specific issue!

Yes discuss with me as ambulance won't come unless birth is imminent!

hanging I've got a smallish suitcase that I'm going to use, and as my bug bear (well one of many) is the amount people take into hospital for a short stay, think a bag full of books sweets, juice, maybe a pair of pyjamas AND NO TOILET BAG I'm curtailing it. We live 5mins away (on a clear roads day) and braehead is within walking distance! So OH can bring anything extra if I need it. And yy to slippers. Primary is my friend I feel.

Jackie spoke with MW. Silly me forgot I've got siblings that i could put on standby! Acht. Will just see what happens.

Trying to not over think things now
Thank you for you advice ladies

That sounds a good plan. I'd also add bring a cardigan or similar. You aren't allowed to close the curtains so it is good to have something to help you feel dressed/ save worrying about leaking boobs when other partners/families are sitting 2 feet away!

I had a good experience of the SGG in 2013 and due back in two weeks for ELCS. The staff were lovely (we were in ten days due to complications) although they were very busy. The last couple of times I've been for appointments the parking has actually been not bad and we have parked quite close. If you go at night you can also find space to park on the public road that goes round the back of the maternity unit.
But yes, the food is AWFUL

SGH sorry!