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I chose The Spires unit at the JR for exactly that reason! It’s only a ride in the lift away from the Drs if something goes wrong. It’s got a really lovely feel and great equipment (birthing pools etc). The private en suite double rooms if you stay in overnight were really nice too.
@Jess thanks for this, that's useful to know. I didn't know they were sometimes closed due to staff shortages
@Michelle thanks, good to know as I'm considering Spites as well! I had heard that they're not always open though, and that they can get busy and run out of space (my due date is around the most popular time of year to give birth apparently!)
I have had 3 of mine there and gutted I couldn't for my last one there due to being high risk throughout my pregnancy. They are so good, welcoming and helpful there. I would suggest to arrange to speak to them and see how you feel. One thing I will say is that if you think your in labour the contraction need to be closer together then they would be if going to the JR before you can go in. X
@Zoe thanks for this 🙂
Hiya! I spent most of my labour there in Wallingford and it was so fab - I really rate it. I did end up being transferred to the JR because things were taking time with my LG, and I ended up having a c-section in the JR. I won't lie, the ambulance transfer wasn't nice or comfortable for me cause contractions were getting stronger and I was super tired by that point, but the staff travelled with me from Wally to the JR and they were amazing 😊 the transfer time itself was not bad at all and the staff are so amazing because even if they don't indicate to you as the labouring mama that there's an sense of urgency so you stay calm. It's certainly a personal decision, but I would say if you feel like you want to try do it in Wally, it's an amazing place to labour and have a baby! All the best 💗
PS feel free to message me if you fancy
I went to Wallingford birthing centre from Thame and everything was going so well until 8cm... I was losing blood, stuck in a contraction ... I ended up blue lighted for emergency c section, not going to lie I found this quite traumatic. As amazing as the centre is I don't think I could risk it again. I think if you've had an straight forward first birth then the centre could be for you🤷🏼♀️
@Lucy sorry to hear this. It's would be my first birth so I do have some concerns
Look into the stats and rates of intervention etc. if you’re worried but not high risk, it’s safer to give birth at home/midwife unit. Only thing I would be aware of is that it’s sometimes closed due to staff shortages, I didn’t give birth there but had all my pre/post birth appts with Wallingford and midwives are all lovely and rooms seem comfortable and calm x