UCLH
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I’ve used the birth centre and labour ward at UCLH. And the service has been great and the facilities. So overall I had a good experience. My first choice was birth centre but with my second child I had complications so had to go in labour ward.
Would defo suggest to do a birth plan, even if you are open. It’s more about what you would and wouldn’t like to happen… what would make you feel most comfortable. I’ve had 3 children and each time I was strongly encouraged to have hormone drip which, can lead to c-section and other risks. I knew this is something I defo didn’t want. A birth plan allowed me to stick to MY plan and trust my body and instincts. overall, you’ve got this and good luck x
I’m also with UCLH (im 41+2), they have informed me that you could be moved from the birth centre to the ward during labour if needed. I also recall reading on this app that a number of women started off in the birth centre there then moved and ended up having a c-section. I did notice during my last midwife appointment that they can be a little impatient and start to steer you towards a C-section (low risk pregnancy) if you’re even the slightest bit overdue so make sure you go in with a plan A and B so that you don’t find yourself being unnecessarily swayed or having decisions made for you because you’re in pain already. Best of luck!
I was labour ward at UCLH in 2023 (I didn’t get a choice due to some bleeding, that ended up being nothing). Delivery itself was great, was in a private room with a midwife and a student the entire time. They monitored heart rate the full time. I think the main disadvantage is that you then get discharged to labour ward quite shortly afterwards which is grim and staffed by a different category of midwife (rude/dismissive/unhelpful!) I think if you manage to stay in home from home and no complications you often get discharged without having to go to a ward.
I started in the birth center with my first then was moved down to labour because of unforeseen complications. They were very quick at getting me down to labour ward and everything went smoothly from there. I had a really good birthing experience at UCLH with both pregnancies. I’d say start in the birthing Center if your low risk it’s very calming and not as hectic as labour ward but both are as good in my opinion also wanted to add the staff in birthing Center are way more laid back and are not as fussy fussy and quick quick but the only downfall of the labour ward was it was pretty rush rush. The only thing that ruined the experience was the recovery after birth but luckily I only stayed a night with my second born but with my first they were very unhelpful and pretty dismissive 😫 xx
I went straight to labour ward And happy with experience I did have forceps
@Krissy I think csection rates could also be higher than average at UCLH because a lot of people who have an elective or complications travel for the benefit of being at UCLH. As I've got friends who could have stayed local but wanted elective so opted for a better hospital
@Krissy how do you find out the hospitals c section rate?
If the birth centre is in the hospital then if you need an epidural or urgent medical attention you will be moved to labour ward. Personally I would always start in birth centre with an awareness that if I needed to I could move to labour ward. Do your birth plan, it’s a guide, not a guarantee of how things will go. Make a plan A, B and C. Plan for your ideal birth then plan for other eventualities including Caesarian section. UCLH has a ridiculously high C-section rate just FYI Giving birth has no guarantees so best to plan for all eventualities.