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I'm 26 weeks and have been booked under a South London hospital that has both a midwife-led birth centre and the main labour ward on the same floor. Low risk so far.
Everyone I ask has a strong opinion. My mum thinks birth centres are 'hippy' and I should be next to the doctors. My friend had her baby in one and says it was the calmest experience of her life.
For those who've done it, what made the decision for you?
The fact that it was on the same floor. Mine was literally down a corridor from the labour ward, so if anything changed I'd be moved in a couple of minutes. That made me feel fine about trying the birth centre. I ended up transferring for an epidural in the end and it was no drama at all.
I chose labour ward first time because I knew I wanted an epidural and didn't want to faff. No regrets. Second time I went for the birth centre and used the pool. Both good, very different.
That's reassuring that the transfer was no drama. My main fear is being stuck somewhere when I need help.
Ask on your tour about how busy it gets. Mine was closed the night I went in because of staffing and I was sent to the labour ward anyway. Fine in the end but I'd built it up in my head so it was a bit of a disappointment. Go in with a loose plan.
Loose plan is the best advice anyone gave me too. Write down your preferences but be prepared for none of it to happen and that being completely ok.
Honestly your mum's generation had very different experiences of maternity care. Hear her out but it's your body and your birth.
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