Which hospital for delivery?

I had a c section with my first at the RVI. The c section went well and I couldn’t fault any of the staff up to that point. After the section was where things went downhill. I understand it was busy and not necessarily the staff’s fault but the aftercare was just overall a negative experience. I didn’t end up going for my section until late on which meant my husband was kicked out after only spending a couple hours with our baby. The ward I was in was extremely busy and very tightly packed. It was that tight that anytime someone came in, my baby’s crib kept getting kicked/ jolted/ pushed. I ended up not sleeping at all and unable to put my baby down out of fear of their crib getting kicked. It was also frustrating for me that I could not have my husband there to help as I was being left for long periods of time despite not having regained feeling in my legs for most of the night. We are now due our second baby later this year and I am weighing my options. Assuming that if I need another c section, my general thought is that NSEC might be better as I would hopefully have better access to a private suite, allowing my husband to stay with me and better allow me to at least get some sleep and help when needed. That being said, I have heard that generally the quality of care at the RVI is typically better so don’t know whether to just attribute my experience to an off day. Debating with my second whether NSEC will be better this time or to stick with the RVI. Any thoughts/experiences are welcome!

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I have early on set preeclampsia and was admitted into NSEC for 3 weeks. The staff there are amazing, you get your own private room with an en-suite and everything is super modern and clean. Your birth partner can also stay with you 24/7. I would 100% recommend!! The only thing is that they don’t have the same medical facilities as the RVI, so if there are any complications you may have to get transferred to another hospital. I got transferred to Sunderland hospital at 29 weeks because NSEC were worried that they would have to deliver my baby soon and they didn’t have the care facilities to look after her because she is on the small side.

I had my first baby at the RVI, I had a negative experience with a midwife when I went in in labour as she said ‘you’re not having real contractions otherwise you wouldn’t be able to talk’ yet I was nearly 4cm when she examined me😅 she then sent me home as I wasn’t exactly 4cm but wrote on my notes I was only 2-3 for some reason, safe to say I ended up back at the hospital an hour later and I was allowed to transfer to the birthing centre which was absolutely amazing!! Couldn’t fault that or the staff in there I think it’s just on the ward it tends to be a bit hit and miss? However due to the birthing suite being closed for staffing issues (literally opened back up a week after I got pregnant 🤣) I’ve chose to go to NSEC instead and I believe your birthing partner can stay the whole time and you get your own private room which just sounds so much better. Had a few trips to the PAU up there and all of the staff have been so lovely, really looking forward to giving birth there this time

I’ve given birth at NSECH and my partner stayed with us from the beginning until we got discharge home. I was induced as well so was a lengthy process, the staff were so lovely and cared so much! Would definitely recommend NSECH x

Had my first at RVI and as you described, hated the after care. Had second 9 months ago via c section at NSEC, amazing from start to finish and so much better having husband able to stay overnight in a private room. Wish I’d had first there too x

Rvi!! Because if you chose NSEC baby’s appointments will always be at NSEC even when not well you will have to be seen there so the closest hospital you would choose!! And if you got unwell you would be sent there xx

@Rebecca not always true. I’ve been to RVI plenty of times, they’ll just ask where baby was born. They can get their records in any hospital, you don’t have to go to the one your child was born at

Sorry meant to vote Cramlington. My RVI aftercare was appalling like you say. Felt like some sort of animal x

NSECH forgot to refer me on to community midwives and I wasn’t seen for over a week once home (c section too)