Experience of C&W Birth Centre?

lalectrice · Postby **lalectrice** » Tue Aug 04, 2015 9:33 am

Has anyone had their baby at the new C&W Birth Centre? It looks amazing, but I'd be interested to hear how people found it. Also, I believe you can't have an epidural there, but if you feel you need one, am I right in presuming that you can be transferred to Labour Ward to have one (then having to remain there)? Any insights much appreciated!

Elsbells · Postby **Elsbells** » Tue Aug 04, 2015 1:06 pm

I gave birth there in May and I'd highly recommend it. I had fully intended to go to the Labour Ward and have an epidural (per my first child) but when i arrived the Labour ward was super busy and as it was second pregnancy with no complications they suggested that i go across and have a look (it wasn't open when i had my first). As you say the rooms are amazing, all feels very calm, own bathroom, can plug in ipod etc BUT no painkillers, only gas and air. You can transfer back across to Labour Ward if you decide that you want epidural. Its just across the corridor.

The midwives were amazing. I had one with me the whole time and a second one arrived to assist with the actual delivery (ended up being a water birth which again i hadn't intended to do but once i was in there it was such a good pain relief i couldn't bring myself to get out!). Afterwards they pull down a double bed from the wall and you, baby and other half can all tuckle in together for the next few hours. We spent the night in the room too as the post natal wards were full which was an added bonus - though i think they'd charge you for an overnight stay if there's room on a ward (not sure).

Overall highly recommend - though i think i'd have still chosen epidural for first labour as its generally a lot longer. By the time i was yelling for an epidural this time the baby was pretty much out!

EBC · Postby **EBC** » Tue Aug 04, 2015 3:24 pm

I gave birth to my son there in April and it was fantastic. The midwives are amazing - mine were Flora and Hayley - but all of them are lovely. Would recommend a water birth - I found it helped me with pain during births of both my children. If the birth centre stays open (if another person is in labour there) then you get to stay in a private room with an en suite and your partner can stay over. A really nice experience. A neighbour of mine had a similarly good experience there in June except she was transferred to the main labour ward for her overnight stay, which is like any labour ward...
Good luck with your birth!

bexsouth · Postby **bexsouth** » Tue Aug 04, 2015 4:14 pm

Would also highly recommend. Had my second child there early June having been on the labour ward for my first child. The birthing unit was very private, tranquil and the midwives were excellant. You are right that there is no pain relief other than gas and air but if you need anything more medical, including an epidural, or things dont progress as you hope you transfer across to the labour ward. If the birthing unit and pool is an option for you I would highly reccomend it. Hope all goes well!

newmum2015 · Postby **newmum2015** » Tue Aug 04, 2015 5:05 pm

I gave birth there at the beginning of the year; the midwives and doulas were amazing and the birthing pool was great. My husband and I were given our own room for the night after baby was born and we left the following day. I highly recommend it.

Franklens · Postby **Franklens** » Tue Aug 04, 2015 7:41 pm

Highly recommend - we had a wonderful experience. Every aspect exceeded my expectation. We had planned on leaving as soon as we were allowed (after 6hrs) to get home to our toddler but once they pulled down the double bed and turned the mood lighting on both my husband and I snuggled up with our new baby and decided to stay until the morning. My husband couldn't believe the service we had received on NHS. If you need an epidural, labour ward is just across the corridor so would be easy to transfer in there if they had beds available.

lalectrice · Postby **lalectrice** » Wed Aug 05, 2015 9:04 am

Thanks, everyone - it sounds as good as it looks! I really hope I'll be able to use it - I'm suitable, but fear I may end up being induced as baby #1 was induced at 42 + 2 (fairly unpleasant experience on C&W Labour Ward) and as I'm an 'older' mother they're keen to get going on this one too. Better get glugging the raspberry leaf tea!