Manly or Mona Vale?

[NoMoreScuba]

Hi,

I'm pregnant (5wks) with #1

I'm going to be going public, and the hospital (Royal North Shore) that I would have liked to have gone to (because I know people who have had babies there), but they won't take me as I live in Dee Why unless I'm a high risk pregnancy.

So, I'm left with the decision between Manly and Mona Vale hospitals. Does anyone have any opinions on these? I'm hoping to arrange to visit them and see which I prefer, but I'd appreciate any info about good/bad experiences people have had at either.

Thanks,
Sarah

[nuddle]

first of all congratulaions.
I had my daughter at Mona Vale, 7 years ago, and I wasnt very happy with the whole process, the only thing I was happy with where the midwives, that had come from Manly hospital, as Manly was currently renovating its maternity ward. So, if I had to choose, I would go manly, but having said that, it was 7 years ago, so that can all change.

[OscarTheGrouch]

I know of people that have had their babies at both Mona Vale and Manly and I have heard good things about both hospitals.

[Jamily]

I had my DD last June at the Birth Centre at the Royal North Shore and am really that they have changed the rules as I now have the same dilemma as you....however I have decided to go for Manly.

I had a water birth with DD last year, which I am very keen to do again as it was so great, and Manly will be able to provide this. I also understand that the midwives there are a bit more flexible, although I am sure they are wonderful in both hospitals....I have also been led to believe that there is more chance of a private room at Manly over Mona Vale. I think they try to make it a local and homely experience (!)

However, the down side with Manly is the fact that they are not a major hospital and if you need an epidural too late in the day they have to get someone in to do it who is 'on call'....I didn't need pain relief with my first delivery so this is not a major consideration for me, however its something to bear in mind.

Good luck in your decision. I am 6 weeks pregnant although as I went 10 days past EDD with my DD I may see you there

Feel free to PM if you want any further info as I have done a bit of research on both....

Claire x

[NoMoreScuba]

Fantastic - thanks so much for the info everyone.

I would really like to go to Manly, I think, as it's more convenient to get to for me, and would be easier for people to come and visit etc. From what I've read it also sounds like they have a very relaxed approach and try to give you as much control over what happens as possible which sounds good to me.

I'm going to phone them today and see if I can go and have a little look around before I make the final decision.

Thanks again...

Sarah

[Jamily]

Hi Sarah

I have sent you a PM - I have found a way into the Royal North Shore if you are interested. I booked in there yesterday no problems. Let me know and I'll give you the details of how to get around the new policy.

Claire

[rubberducky]

Hi, I'm just 5 weeks and live near Manly. I have heard great things about Royal North shore and I would love to know how get around the policy.

[fairybairy]

I went to monavale for my first 2, I found it to be great, clean, friendly proffessional staff and modern, midwivies fantastic. PLenty of room for visitors. My sis had hers at manly just before me I was glad to choose maonavale, would choose it again if i didnt live interstate