Southmead birth stories!

Had my first in southmead and having my second there even though I’m not on the same district anymore. All the staff I had were absolutely lovely and they were kind and considerate after the delivery and in recovery

I've had two at Southmead....one in delivery suite and one in Mendip birth centre and both were LOVELY!! the midwives were fantastic and appreciated my hypnobirthing, they massively helped and I'd go back there in a flash if I was to have any more (I'm not though!)

I had a home birth planned, but ended up at Mendip and was very pleasantly surprised! I had a pool birth, which was truly awesome. And the room looked lovely at nighttime with the lighting. If you haven’t explored already, I’d highly recommend the positive birth company course. It really helped me to be clear on my choices, birth plan and things to be aware of. Good luck mama!

Had my LO four weeks ago at Southmead (planned C-section as large Gestational age for baby at 38 weeks) brilliant experience both pre and post op. Would recommend it and happy to do so again

Had my first in Southmead in October last year. She's 5 months old now. I had a few bouts of reduced movements in the last couple months of pregnancy and Southmead were amazing every time. Waters went while I was at my mum's in Wales at 38+4 and I travelled into Southmead at 4am with my Mum who was one of my birth partners. My partner waited at home while I was checked over. They kept me in for a few hours in triage just to make sure my BP wasn't climbing. I wasn't contracting like they'd hope so the Doctor said I could go home and wait and come back 24hrs from when my waters went or go down for a c section then. I spoke to the midwife who really advocated for me and was lovely. Ended up going back about 11pm to wait for induction (Saved driving at 2am). Midwives on Maternity ward were fantastic. They have this second eyes system where every 2 hours another midwife would come in and check my numbers etc to make sure nothing is missed.

Baby girl arrived healthy vaginally thanks to the most amazing midwife who had the gumtion and tricks to help me get over the final hurdle. Postnatal ward I was on for 24hrs and could have been better but birth wise. Couldn't have falted them at all. Amazing maternity ward up there.

I had both my children there. The midwives on delivery unit are brilliant. On the ward unless you are "difficult" or need extra care, you're kind of left to it. It took ages for anyone to come to see me. I arrived on the ward at 7am and was told nobody would see me until after shift change at 8. They were friendly enough, but just over stretched.

@Kim i second PBC!!! My births were an amazing experience because of this course!!!

I think we're pretty lucky in Bristol cus both Southmead and St Mike's are pretty decent. Of course experiences vary but I hear more positive than negative from both sites.

I’ve had both of mine at Southmead Hospital . I have both of them via planned C sections . Can’t thank the staff enough . The midwife’s and consultants were amazing. Xx

Omg I had my little girl at southmead and had such an amazing experience. My room was lovely too and I felt so comfortable

@Lisa Yeah this sounds about right, lovely but clearly over stretched!

Thank you so much everyone, I am so excited for that final step (although not until August!) but just fills me with so much confidence!!🤍

@Kim are you able to send me the link to the positive birth company course?😊

https://thepositivebirthcompany.com/digital-pack

I had a positive birth experience at Southmead more than welcome to pm z