Why Hospital Was Best For Me (Hospital Births)

Member Name: littleme96

Product:	Hospital Births
Date:	23/11/08 (114 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Encouraged to have the Birth I wanted. More Pain Relief Options

Disadvantages: Lack of Support after Birth

Before I even got pregnant, I was vaguely aware of the different types of births available to me. Due to my location, these consisted of a Hospital birth or a Home birth, as I am not lucky enough to live near a Midwife Led birthing unit and I was aware that a Water birth may be a possibility at my local hospital or I could hire one if I decided to stay at home. When I went to my Doctor to get a referral to the Midwife, she explained that whilst she was pro-hospital births, the Midwife was very pro-home birth! I did see this as a good thing though, as I got advice on both options and could weigh things up better for myself.

I did briefly consider having a home birth, but decided not to for the reason that I live so far away from the hospital (about a 30 minute drive). If something was to go wrong, that is quite a distance to be blue lighted and I felt that it would be more safe for myself and my baby if we were in Hospital. Other reasons for my choice were the fact that as it was my first baby, I had no idea how I would cope with the pain and also I have to admit that my Husband wasn't hugely keen on the idea - there would also be the neighbours to think of (especially as we live in an upstairs flat!).

So the decision was made and I didn't doubt my choice for a moment! I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get a Hospital tour, as instead you now get a 'Hospital Tour DVD' instead (which was rubbish and we would have much preferred the tour, but I can understand why they no longer offer them).

I went into Labour naturally one day before my due date and called the Hospital who told me to come in when I was ready. It wasn't long before we were on our way and parking in the car park. Our maternity unit is in it's own block and has it's own reception at the bottom. I handed in my notes and was given my wristband and then went up in the lift to the Midwife Led care ward. On arrival, I pressed the intercom to say who I was and was let in promptly after we had used the alcohol hand gel. I was taken to a small room to be assessed and had to wait for a Midwife to come in and access me.

After the longest 5 minutes of my life, a Midwife came in and was going to monitor the baby, when she realised that I was in quite a lot of pain and she had better monitor me first. Imagine my delight when it appeared that I was already fully dilated and I was ushered into a delivery suite straightaway.

As soon as I entered the room I was asked if I wanted Vitamin K given to my baby and if so, in what form and also if I wanted a managed or natural 3rd stage, which I was really impressed with. Although I had written a birth plan, these were the 2 most important points and I really felt listened to as I gave my answers, which were accepted without question.

The room was very clean and spacious and didn't feel at all clinical. I felt that it was very well equipt, as it had a birthing ball, a couple of chairs, obviously a bed(!) with lots of pillows to lean over, a radio etc and it also had an en suite bathroom. In addition to this, it also had all of the normal apparatus you would expect - a plastic cot and numerous items to examine the baby with or use in case there was a problem with the baby when it came out. The midwife was absolutely fantastic and I am so glad that I had her support. I was encouraged to use the room exactly as I wanted and to move around lots to find the best position for me.

Although I didn't use any, there was a number of pain relief options available to me - gas and air, birthing pool, pethidine, epidural etc, although I would have had to been moved to another ward if I needed the second two options.

Following the birth of my baby (using just TENS!), the baby was quickly wrapped up in a towel and handed to me for some skin to skin. I was encouraged to breastfeed straightaway. It all felt very unhurried and I was left in the delivery suite for over an hour with my new baby and my Husband with my Midwife coming in and out, checking and weighing my baby and helping to deliver the placenta.

I was offered a bath, which unfortunately I was unable to have as I had lost a lot of blood and wasn't able to get out of bed without fainting, so I ended up having a bed bath instead. I was then offered some toast, which I suppose was better late than never, but perhaps would have been better if offered sooner after giving birth! Due to my fainting episodes, I was given a small private room after leaving the delivery suite, which was very nice.

I did find that there was a lack of support and we were just left to get on with it to a large extent - no one showed us how to change/put on a nappy, dress the baby or to check that feeding was okay until late that night. As it happens, we did actually have a problem with feeding that was sorted out that night, but the nurse was rather abrupt that my baby hadn't fed for so long, although it wasn't my fault as baby wasn't interested. However, she was very helpful in sorting it out and turned out that she was just a bit matter of fact.

Later that night I was moved onto the main ward, as the private room was needed by someone else. I didn't really enjoy this as it was so noisy and I didn't get any sleep that night at all and was happy to go home the next day.

However, I have to say that I had a very positive birth and can't really fault the hospital at all. I am glad that I chose a hospital birth, as I had some problems with bleeding and feeding my baby afterwards and would have not got the same support at home. I will be happy to give birth in hospital next time too and hope that my experience is as pleasant.

Summary: A great birthing experience.