Where should I give birth?!
Which hospital should I give birth at? - Lets chat!
When I was pregnant with my second baby, I found myself asking this very question. We had moved house, and there was a hospital just four minutes away. Surely that was the obvious choice? The thing was, I already knew another hospital really well. I was under consultant-led care there and had built a relationship with my midwife. I knew the team, I knew the building, and that familiarity made me feel comfortable.
The only problem was that it was about 40 minutes away. As this was my second baby, I had visions of giving birth on the motorway, just like in the movies! I looked into it, spoke to my care team and realised that although second babies can arrive more quickly, the dramatic motorway birth I was imagining was unlikely. I also made sure I knew when to call the maternity unit and had a plan for the journey.
It made me realise that choosing where to give birth is about more than picking the hospital closest to your house. So, if you are comparing maternity hospitals in Surrey or London, what should you think about?
Do I have to go to my nearest hospital?
Often, no. In England, you can usually consider a maternity service beyond your nearest hospital, but check whether it is currently accepting bookings from your area. Some services have limits on new bookings, so it is worth checking directly before you set your heart on one.
If you are under consultant-led care or have particular medical needs, ask your maternity team what facilities and specialist support you may need. You can revisit your plans as your pregnancy progresses.
Home birth is a little different because a midwifery team needs to be able to come to your address. If you are interested in a home birth, ask your maternity service about its local coverage area, availability and what would happen if you needed a transfer to hospital.
How much does distance matter to you?
For me, it mattered enough to give me those motorway-birth thoughts! For someone else, a shorter journey might be the thing that helps them relax. Think about the journey in traffic, where you would park, who could drive you and, if you have other children, who would look after them.
If a previous labour was quick or you have concerns about travelling, ask your maternity team when to call. If you think you are in labour, your maternity unit can advise you based on what is happening at the time.
What does the CQC report say?
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) publishes reports about maternity services. It is worth looking at the maternity service’s report, rather than just the overall hospital rating. Check when it was published and read what the inspectors actually found. A rating can help you ask better questions, but it will not tell you everything about what your birth experience will be like.
What are other people saying?
We all know someone who has a birth story to tell. Listen, especially if they share something specific about how they were cared for. But remember that the loudest stories are often the most difficult ones. One person’s experience is important, but it does not mean yours will be the same. If something you hear worries you, write it down and ask the maternity team directly.
Can you get a feel for the place?
Have a look at the hospital’s maternity pages and see whether they offer an in-person or virtual tour. Ask about things that matter to you. Is there a midwife-led birth centre? Is there a birth pool? What pain relief is available? If you start in a birth centre, what happens if you need obstetric care? What level of neonatal care is available if your baby needs extra support? The maternity team can explain what these answers mean for your own pregnancy.
And remember to ask about after the birth. What feeding support is available? Can your birth partner stay on the postnatal ward? How are you supported if you need to stay longer than expected? Current arrangements can change, so check with the hospital.
You might also notice how you feel when someone answers your questions. Do you feel listened to? Do you understand your options? That matters too.
Hospitals where I offer birth doula support
I support families giving birth at the following hospitals across Surrey and London:
There is no one hospital I would tell every family to choose. Your journey, your previous experiences and the place where you feel comfortable all deserve a place in the decision. If you are feeling pulled between two hospitals, you do not have to work it all out alone.
Would it help to talk it through? Book a call with me and we can look at what matters to you, compare the practicalities and put together questions to ask each hospital. I can help you feel clearer about your preferences and more confident in your decision. For advice about medical risks or which setting is clinically suitable for you and your baby, speak with your midwife or doctor.
Do your research, ask the questions, and remember: your birth, your choice.
make it a bit shorter
Which hospital should I give birth at?
When I was pregnant with my second baby, we had just moved house. There was a hospital four minutes away, but I knew another hospital really well. I was under consultant-led care there, knew my midwife and felt comfortable with the team.
The problem? It was 40 minutes away. I had visions of giving birth on the motorway, just like in the movies! After looking into it and talking to my care team, I realised that was unlikely, even with a second baby. I made a plan for when to call and how we would get there.
It taught me that choosing where to give birth is about more than finding the closest hospital. Here are a few things worth considering.
Do I have to choose my nearest hospital?
Usually, no. In England, you can often choose a maternity service further from home, although some hospitals limit bookings from outside their area. Check directly with the hospital you are interested in.
Home birth works a little differently, as the midwifery team needs to cover your address. Ask about their catchment area and what would happen if you needed to transfer to hospital.
What matters most to you?
Distance: What is the journey like in traffic? Who would drive you, and who would look after any older children? If a previous labour was quick, ask your maternity team when you should call.
CQC reports: Look at the maternity service’s report, not only the hospital’s overall rating. Read the detail and check when it was published.
Other people’s stories: Listen to them, but remember that the most difficult experiences can be the loudest. One person’s birth story does not predict yours.
How the place feels: See whether you can visit or take a virtual tour. Ask about birth pools, pain relief, care if your plans change, and support after your baby arrives. Do you feel listened to when you ask questions?
Hospitals where I offer birth doula support
I support families giving birth at St Peter’s Hospital, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Kingston Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital, West Middlesex University Hospital, St George’s Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, and Hillingdon Hospital.
There is no one hospital I would recommend to every family. If you are torn between two options, book a call with me. We can talk through what matters to you, compare the practicalities and work out what you want to ask each hospital. Your midwife or doctor can advise you on any medical considerations.
Your birth, your choice — and you do not have to make the decision alone.
I wish every mother could have Matilda’s services!!! Giving birth is the most important moment in your life and allowing someone so passionate and knowledgable to guide you through is invaluable. I had Matilda for my 3rd baby after having an impromptu home birth when hospital had said I couldn’t! I felt empowered and confident in my birth and completely supported afterwards from feeding to my own self care. I’m now so passionate about birth myself and hope everyone can have a positive time so please have a consultation and see your options!! Xxx