Rvi
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Depends on how would you like to give birth, if you are considering natural birth or water birth you can give birth in the birthing suite providing a room is available. If for example you consider using epidural for labour or there are complications they will transfer you to the delivery suite. The maternity parking bays I heard are to use for those in labour. Also if you are on Facebook search for Connie the emidwife page. Every Sunday they have a Q&A session and you can ask them anything you want 😊
I would definitely speak to your midwife about where to go as it can depend on different risk factors your pregnancy may have as to where you go! As for parking, the bays at the front are for coming in in an emergency, or if you’re getting picked up I believe as you’re only allowed to park there for 45 mins then you will be fined! We parked in the bit as if you were driving in to A&E then you just pay at the machine when you leave xx
I went to the reception on the floor above the birthing center. The receptionist asked where I wanted to be the delivery suite or birthing center. I had discussed with my midwife that I wanted to be in the birthing center and was medical okay for me to be there as I had no problems during the pregnancy so she sent me downstairs to the birthing center so depends on what you prefer and have discussed with your midwife. My partner used the maternity bay when we first arrived to give birth and registered the car with them on a machine in the birthing center. Then he couldn't use the bay once he had left the hospital and was returning to visit x
When I went in to have my little one 18 months ago I was told to go to the birthing centre to be assessed and then when I had to have my waters broken I was transferred upstairs xx
I want as few pushy doctors around me as possible so I’ve opted for the birthing centre downstairs I’ve been told there’s enough rooms. I also heard some god awful women bitching about a woman who had gone into labour taking the piss out of her in the upstairs ward so I dont want to be around other women like that either. Ideally home birth but my pets may pose an issue x
When you’re in labour and call the hospital they’ll tell you where you need to be going, given you’re not high risk it should just be downstairs in the birthing centre! Super friendly staff too and the suites are lovely! So roomy and the bed was pretty comfy too! Plus en suite bathroom! Xx
It also depends on how far along you are when you go into labour as you can’t actually go in the birthing suite before 37 weeks x
All so helpful!! Thank you all so much ❤️ xxx
When you call to tell them you’re in labour they’ll tell you where to go. I had to go to the maternity assessment unit which is on level 4, they’ll move you if needed and definitely park in the bays, you’re allowed and it’s free. I think you’re allowed to be there for as long as you’re in but not 100% sure. We made the mistake of parking across the road and cost a fortune!