Hospital choices ?

[brideofjabba]

I have a dilema so sorts. I didn't have a great experience at the hospital when i had my ds. And i am dreading going back there again. I can't afford to go private so i don't have much choice between the 2 here in town. My dh keeps suggesting i go to the other nearest hospital which is an hour away. My first labour was 17 hours so not quick but i have heard that 2nd babies can come fast. I'm not even sure that going to this other hospital is an option but if it was you, would you even look into it? Or just suck it up and go to the crappy hospital? What would you do?

[tickle]

Just me, but I would go to the one an hour away.
I had a bad experience at the hospital just down the road from me and I refuse to go there and went to the one about 45 min away with my son. It isn't quite as far as an hour away but I think it would be worth it, to feel comfortable and happy with your care.
You can always just leave that little bit earlier if you are unsure.
Good luck with your decision.

[mum2angels]

We had to terrible experience at our local hospital, we lost our little baby girl, so we will be going to a different hospital next time. If you are really worried about going back there, you might be better of going to the other hospital.

I see you are from Toowoomba, was it the general where you had your first baby. I was transfered there to icu, then to maternity ward and I found them to be great, there was one nurse in both wards that I didn't think was much good, but over all I was happy.

I hope everything goes well for you which ever way you decide to go. Take care.

[matty's mum]

Hi I would try the other hospital.

I had a crappy birth with 2nd bub and with number 3 we had a great birth at a different hospital. Our closest hospital is 50mins away for this bub no:4 I'm going to travel 2h 15mins away and I labour for 6 to 7 hours.

I keep teasing DH that we might have to give birth in the car, he cant see the funny side.

We cant afford to go private either.
one thing to consider is was it the midwife or the hospital that you feel could have been better? cause 3rd bub we had the best MW ever, and that really made the difference we started with a younger one and we were so pleased when they changed shift. WE like the first one until we met the 2nd MW

[aardvark]

I'd try the other hospital.

That said, though, I had a bad experience where I had DD#1. With DD#2, I approached it all with an open mind, and investigated other options. I ended up back at the hospital where I had DD#1, as it had changed management, had vastly different policies, offered better than the alternative hospital, and I thought it was fantastic.

This time, I'm stuck without a choice, as that hospital no longer has maternity, and the other option I have makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. I don't know what it is about th eplace, but I dislike it for some reason.

[brideofjabba]

Quite honestly it was only the ward staff that i wasn't impressed with. The midwives for the delivery were great though some of the drs were a bit dodgey, except the dr that delivered my ds. It's kinda complicated. LOL
Yes, Jodie it was the base hospital. They just made me feel like i would never know what i was doing and what to do to care for my baby. The night staff would contridict each other, one nurse would tell me one thing the next would tell me not to do that and do something else. Very confusing! I couldn't wait to get out of there. I know it might be different this time, but i'm just worried to have another bad experience. and i have heard lots of bad things about the hospital from other people, even nurses.
I will have to give it lost of thought. thanks!

[tickle]

Hi Andrea,
I got a lot of contradictort advice where I went too. And I also found a few rude staff members. I just tried to get out of there asap. This time around I am arming myself with as much info as possible, so I feel more confident in what I'm doing and I can sift the crap from the real, good advice. Does that make sense.

I hope you find the right hospital for you and have a great experience there!

[JanetF]

Where ever you go, if you can take your own support ie a doula, your experience will be immeasurably better anyway. Remember, your wishes and body are sacrosanct but sometimes hospy staff need reminding A really strong birth plan, attached to your records, and a willingness from your dh to tell staff who offend you to leave the room (remember, you're the boss!) can really help as well. I'm sorry you had a bad experience; all too common!

[LilShenanigans]

Track down an honest and upfront midwife if possible!
Keep track of hospitals on the news - Avoid them at ALL costs!

There are so many hospitals around here that have a bad rep (sorry Im in west Sydney), I went to Westmead though as my parents worked there - My mother as a midwife!
This kind of helped a lot, with the fact most midwives that knew my mother were afraid of doing anything bad to me because they knew she'd get on their backs
They also let me go the same day as delivery (this scared a lot of my friends!), but the food sucked and I refused to hang around in a crowded ward hehe

But my mum has mentioned a few good delivery wards in Sydney, the one I'd like to go to is North Shore, they do public and private, two beds to a room and nice food -AND lovely staff!!
Also mentioned was Martyr, but mum said that probably wouldn't suit me as the nuns visit everyday!

But as everyone has mentioned, go with what feels comfortable! I'd say try and do a little research... if possible go on a tour and maybe get to have a chat with some of the staff...
If a hospital is worth it, the midwives will help you out in anyway to make you feel comfortable, so don't be afraid to ask questions!

Good luck!