The Pregnancy Chat Thread!

lazygal

If you can afford it, go private. We luckily can and did last time and again this time. I preferred the relationship with my chosen consultant and the continuity of care. Private came into its own after delivery. I had a section and there is no way I'd have lasted on a public ward with shared facilities, dealing with other people's babies and visitors. I got a private room immediately I left recovery and having my own space was so much better than sharing. I also got a lot of support for breastfeeding, a follow up postnatal check with my consultant, scanned at every appointment and a better birth experience than friends of mine who went semi private or public.

I don't understand how someone wouldn't sleep on the Merrion Wing in Holles St. I'm a light sleeper but its a very calm, quiet place, especially compared to the public wards. Whatever about finding that noisy I'd still take it over a ward with six or eight other mothers and babies in it in the public system. I know everyone will defend their own choice, but the public system wouldn't have been for me, I had some complications which meant I had to have some interaction with the public system and I wasn't impressed at all.

wolfpawnat

lazygal wrote: »

If you can afford it, go private. We luckily can and did last time and again this time. I preferred the relationship with my chosen consultant and the continuity of care. Private came into its own after delivery. I had a section and there is no way I'd have lasted on a public ward with shared facilities, dealing with other people's babies and visitors. I got a private room immediately I left recovery and having my own space was so much better than sharing. I also got a lot of support for breastfeeding, a follow up postnatal check with my consultant, scanned at every appointment and a better birth experience than friends of mine who went semi private or public.

I don't understand how someone wouldn't sleep on the Merrion Wing in Holles St. I'm a light sleeper but its a very calm, quiet place, especially compared to the public wards. Whatever about finding that noisy I'd still take it over a ward with six or eight other mothers and babies in it in the public system. I know everyone will defend their own choice, but the public system wouldn't have been for me, I had some complications which meant I had to have some interaction with the public system and I wasn't impressed at all.

You'd have hated my ward:D. I was an emergency c-section after 21 hours of labour, so the only sleep I had gotten was under anaesthetic. I was in a room with 8 other women, and more in the room connected next door. Two showers and three toilets for the whole wing. It didn't bother me though. Even after a few days.

But the one thing with private care lazygal, you aren't guaranteed your private room even after you pay all that money, it says in all the hospitals only if a room is available, not something I would want to risk when paying thousands.

lazygal

wolfpawnat wrote: »

You'd have hated my ward:D. I was an emergency c-section after 21 hours of labour, so the only sleep I had gotten was under anaesthetic. I was in a room with 8 other women, and more in the room connected next door. Two showers and three toilets for the whole wing. It didn't bother me though. Even after a few days.

But the one thing with private care lazygal, you aren't guaranteed your private room even after you pay all that money, it says in all the hospitals only if a room is available, not something I would want to risk when paying thousands.

I know that, but I'd rather have the option at least. The thousands you're paying for is for the consultant, not the accommodation which is covered by insurance. Anyone I know who went private got private room as fewer people are going private in recent years, so you're highly likely to get a room. The care in the public system is fine, but I preferred to pay consultant's fees for a variety of reasons and we consider it money very, very well spent.

wolfpawnat

lazygal wrote: »

I know that, but I'd rather have the option at least. The thousands you're paying for is for the consultant, not the accommodation which is covered by insurance. Anyone I know who went private got private room as fewer people are going private in recent years, so you're highly likely to get a room. The care in the public system is fine, but I preferred to pay consultant's fees for a variety of reasons and we consider it money very, very well spent.

Oh I don't doubt that for the consultant it is money well spent. I'd say going in, having a rapport with them and being seen quickly is all lovely, tbh I am a slight bit jelly With everyone having to drop from Private Health Insurance, I'd say there are probably way more of a chance of you being put in your own room. I would find that daunting last time since the nurses were always in the larger wards anyway since they had more people in them.

I know Mt. Carmel do a pregnancy package for €1,600, which, if you have the money, I can well imagine is very luxurious. Ah, part of me wishes I still had health insurance.

Neyite

MurdyWurdy wrote: »

I can understand why some women chose to go private, each to their own and all that but personally I wouldn't do it unless I was having a pregnancy with complications etc. I had some advice when we were deciding what to do (one was a woman who had gone private and on semi-private) and was advised against it. That is wasn't worth the moolah. I also opted for the midwife led clinic as I think it's a bit more personable (again I was advised to do this by a few people).

I had an appointment in the hospital this week and was only there for 45 minutes, so I think you can be lucky with waiting times as well.

Actually as a public patient with complications you get excellent attention during your antenatal care. I have a minor endocrine pre-existing condition so was under a gynae consultant, and an endocrine professor, and had a lot more antenatal visits. I also got a lot more scans and tests.

Also, while you are paying private for the consultant, I know someone who paid for private and the consultant delivered none of her three babies. Was on holidays for the first, stuck with another complicated delivery for the second, and the third managed to get there 30 mins after the baby was born. So, like a private room, the consultant being present for your labour is not guaranteed either.

Though I had a C-section and was in for 5 days, I would have liked my own room very much, one night would have been fine, but by the end I was very glad to get home for the rest. It wasnt so much the other mothers and babies, it was the visitors that annoyed the hell out of me.

There was one father behind the adjoining curtain that I wanted to ram his phone up his arse after the 20th (loud) call to assorted relatives with the exact.same.information outside of visiting hours.

Or the family of 8 who stayed from 10am to 8pm having a great old chin-wag complete with feral ignored children running around pulling your curtain open while you were changing.

:mad:

But, I'd go public again, because I do feel that amount money for unguaranteed services is crazy money to be paying.

MurdyWurdy

Neyite wrote: »

Actually as a public patient with complications you get excellent attention during your antenatal care. I have a minor endocrine pre-existing condition so was under a gynae consultant, and an endocrine professor, and had a lot more antenatal visits. I also got a lot more scans and tests.

Also, while you are paying private for the consultant, I know someone who paid for private and the consultant delivered none of her three babies. Was on holidays for the first, stuck with another complicated delivery for the second, and the third managed to get there 30 mins after the baby was born. So, like a private room, the consultant being present for your labour is not guaranteed either.

Though I had a C-section and was in for 5 days, I would have liked my own room very much, one night would have been fine, but by the end I was very glad to get home for the rest. It wasnt so much the other mothers and babies, it was the visitors that annoyed the hell out of me.

There was one father behind the adjoining curtain that I wanted to ram his phone up his arse after the 20th (loud) call to assorted relatives with the exact.same.information outside of visiting hours.

Or the family of 8 who stayed from 10am to 8pm having a great old chin-wag complete with feral ignored children running around pulling your curtain open while you were changing.

:mad:

But, I'd go public again, because I do feel that amount money for unguaranteed services is crazy money to be paying.

Yep - that was one of the reasons we chose not to go private. My aunt's consultant wasn't there for her delivery and I think she had a problem with a couple of her appointment times too. In her opinion the money she paid wasn't worth it so she advised me to go public.

I'm sure having your own room would be fabulous, I completely agree! Just wasn't worth it against the cost for us.

lazygal

MurdyWurdy wrote: »

Yep - that was one of the reasons we chose not to go private. My aunt's consultant wasn't there for her delivery and I think she had a problem with a couple of her appointment times too. In her opinion the money she paid wasn't worth it so she advised me to go public.

I'm sure having your own room would be fabulous, I completely agree! Just wasn't worth it against the cost for us.

My consultant was there, and will be there again next time, as I'll likely be having a scheduled c section again. She never missed an appointment either and waiting times were minimal. She also visited me post op every day and had a postnatal check up with me ten weeks after the birth. I don't know any public patient who got the same.

I'm not downplaying the people who had good experiences going public, just giving another view on the private system which I found excellent and have chosen a second time.

Blueskye

I'd agree. While I do hope to get my own room after delivery as I'll have twins I really wouldn't fancy being in a busy ward and sharing bathroom facilities, what has been much more important for me is having a relationship with my consultant, who I can ring on her mobile at any time with a query, no wait for appointments, always plenty of time for questions and far more appointments and scans than I would have had if I had stayed in the public service. And having identical twins, the risks are higher and if not noticed in time, can have drastic consequences. In addition, she has a lot of experience with multiples and this is important for me, as there are lots of things you can do while pregnant to promote healthy birth weights etc.

I have also heard horror stories from close friends and family members who have not had the care they needed during birth, were not listened to and ended up with quite traumatic consequences which would have likely been avoided if they had had their own consultant. I have heard lots of positive stories too but I would rather do what I can to ensure I have as stress-free pregnancy and birth as is possible. Of course, you can never control everything but knowing my consultant is very reassuring.

I will be having a planned section all going well so my consultant will be present. Money well spent for me but I am also aware I am in a lucky position to be able to pay for it.

How Strange

Blueskye once you get pregnant people are crawling out of the woodwork to tell you their horror stories.

I've heard terrible things about public and private care alike especially regarding traumatic births and women not being listened to. It can happen regardless of whether you're private, public, semi-private. There are so many uncontrollable variables involved when you're in labour/giving birth. All it takes is for a few things to happen all at once and you've got a situation where you feel you're not in control or being listened to and things are bring done to your body without being discussed with you.

MurdyWurdy

I never understand why people tell horror stories to pregnant women, I've been told a few and I feel like saying, why on earth are you telling me this?!

I only want to hear how easy and wonderful the process is :P

sarahv

Just found out I'm pregnant. I've had 2 emergency sections and I think they said I would have to get one if I got pregnant again. Anyway, I was wondering how that works, do they bring you in before 40 weeks, how early?

wolfpawnat

sarahv wrote: »

Just found out I'm pregnant. I've had 2 emergency sections and I think they said I would have to get one if I got pregnant again. Anyway, I was wondering how that works, do they bring you in before 40 weeks, how early?

Hey Sarah, congrats on the new pregnancy Yes if you have had two sections before they are going to insist any child you have from now on is by C-section, well according to the Rotunda anyway. Not sure what they will do, I would assume they will schedule you for 38-39 weeks, but I genuinely don't know. They will wait until you go full term anyway.

Das Kitty

wolfpawnat wrote: »

Hey Sarah, congrats on the new pregnancy Yes if you have had two sections before they are going to insist any child you have from now on is by C-section, well according to the Rotunda anyway. Not sure what they will do, I would assume they will schedule you for 38-39 weeks, but I genuinely don't know. They will wait until you go full term anyway.

They book you for around the 39 week mark and monitor you closely. My friend had a section on her first due to the baby being breech.

The reason for only being allowed to have a section after having two previously is that the risk of rupture is higher.

wolfpawnat

wolfpawnat wrote: »

I know Mt. Carmel do a pregnancy package for €1,600, which, if you have the money, I can well imagine is very luxurious. Ah, part of me wishes I still had health insurance.

It's not luxurious, could do with an updating to be honest. But the care in MC is second to none.
With health insurance it cost the same to go private in MC as it would have in Holles St or the Coombe.

I was 100% happy with my antenatal ANC postnatal care there. There was huge support for breastfeeding and nurses constantly on hand to help, as well as two visits from the lactation consultant.
It was quiet and calm, when I arrived in labour I was taken to a room where I delivered, there was no shifting around from ward to ward.
MC is very mother centred. The mothers well being is central to the care which can't be said for other hospitals.

Five of my friends had babies the same year I had my son and to say we had different experiences in maternity care would be a huge understatement. It's not right that money talks in healthcare but very often that is the case.

lazygal

sarahv wrote: »

Just found out I'm pregnant. I've had 2 emergency sections and I think they said I would have to get one if I got pregnant again. Anyway, I was wondering how that works, do they bring you in before 40 weeks, how early?

HS will let you go to 41 weeks, depending on health etc. It'd be an elective section after two previous sections, no option for vbac.

wolfpawnat

Das Kitty wrote: »

They book you for around the 39 week mark and monitor you closely. My friend had a section on her first due to the baby being breech.

The reason for only being allowed to have a section after having two previously is that the risk of rupture is higher.

I knew they would leave it as long as was safely possible alright. Yeah, when I went to my first appointment not too long ago the midwife told me they would try to let me go natural after my previous section because if I had one again, I would need one for any other pregnancy I ever had. Though the doctor I spoke to was far more willing to discuss my options.

Pat McGhee

Just wondering if anyone here can share their experiences on what it's like going public in CUMH?

Thanks a mil.......

dublinlady

wolfpawnat wrote: »

I knew they would leave it as long as was safely possible alright. Yeah, when I went to my first appointment not too long ago the midwife told me they would try to let me go natural after my previous section because if I had one again, I would need one for any other pregnancy I ever had. Though the doctor I spoke to was far more willing to discuss my options.

I've had one section but this one breech at the mo - doc said (I'm holles st) that I CAN absolutely attempt a VBAC next time if this results in a section. Different docs have different rules - I would def want to try a VBAC. With any luck ill get a chance to this time if the baby turns!

wolfpawnat

dublinlady wrote: »

I've had one section but this one breech at the mo - doc said (I'm holles st) that I CAN absolutely attempt a VBAC next time if this results in a section. Different docs have different rules - I would def want to try a VBAC. With any luck ill get a chance to this time if the baby turns!

Apart from the usual terror of needing a episiotomy(sp?) I am not frightened of the birth itself, only the terror I went through bringing my son to different developmental specialists because a few things were very delayed and all of them were worried because of the circumstances of his birth. So I don't want to risk that again and the nurse said there was a 33% of that happening so I am really freaked out about going through all that again.

freudiangirl

Pat McGhee wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone here can share their experiences on what it's like going public in CUMH?

Thanks a mil.......

I went public here on my first in 2011,
And will go public on number 2 too.

No complaints.

Pat McGhee

freudiangirl wrote: »

I went public here on my first in 2011,
And will go public on number 2 too.

No complaints.

Thanks freudiangirl.
And many congrats on baba no 2! I hope you feel better soon, (pregnancy moan thread, its a godsend!)

cute6guru

Can anyone reccomend a good moisturiser/body butter which is good for stretch marks? Ive been using bio oil.

Digs

cute6guru wrote: »

Can anyone reccomend a good moisturiser/body butter which is good for stretch marks? Ive been using bio oil.

I've been using coconut oil on my tum. Have no stretch marks at 33 weeks so don't know if its the oil or just good luck but a lot of the pregnancy boards rave about it for stretch marks and its got some great reviews

Apart from anything it makes my tummy smell lovely!

How Strange

I don't think any cream is going to prevent stretch marks regardless of what they promise to do. I think stretch marks are something you get or you don't. I didn't get them on my son but I wonder if I'll be as lucky this time around.

It's good to moisturise the bump and all the other expanding bits though. I've been using the lotion from aldi during the week as it dries quickly so I csn get dressed straight away. It's in a white bottle with pale blue top and is as good as any Vichy or la roche posay that I've used for a fraction of the price. At the weekends I like to slather on the body shop cocoa butter. It smells gorgeous and I'm usually not in a rush to get dressed so plenty of time for it to absorb.

wolfpawnat

How Strange wrote: »

I don't think any cream is going to prevent stretch marks regardless of what they promise to do. I think stretch marks are something you get or you don't. I didn't get them on my son but I wonder if I'll be as lucky this time around.

I got stuck looking like a childs manuscript copy last time, I think it may even be worse this time. All I can do is try and prevent it, but as you said, I too feel like it is either something you get or your don't. I use bio-oil and have to wait until the curtains are pulled at night and have to sit topless in front of the tv for a while to let it dry. Himself just laughs. Men!:rolleyes:

lazygal

I think its down to genetics whether you get stretch marks, I used bio oil and never got one. Another woman I know used it too and got them all around her from bump to back. My mum never got them so I think that was a factor. Using bio oil again this time as I've dry skin and it relieved the itching.

yellow hen

I think it's defo inherited. I use a mix of bio oil and palmers cocoa butter nod have no marks at 38 weeks. I have however got a whopper of a varicose vein!!! Not sure which is worse!

Synyster Shadow

Anyone loose weight at 33 weeks? I was told it was fine to not gain at the start and I began goin up in weight at 26 so weeks now I'm back to what I was at 26 weeks and doc wasn't impressed but I eat like a horse and healthy home cooked meals at that. Baby is gaining and measuring great so not sure why doc was annoyed by this. He said the last trimester you gain a big percentage of the overall.

Pat McGhee

The mister and I have been invited to a friend's for dinner next Sunday, I'll be 13 weeks but at the moment Im still in the throes of hyperemesis and am ridiculously sensitive to all cooking smells, along with most foods. For those of you further along and still suffering, in your opinion what are my chances of going? I haven't been out since December, I miss having a social life!!

lazygal

Do they know you're pregnant? I was never as bad as hypermesis but suffered quite badly. I'd a work function at ten weeks, no one knew, and I spent most of my time slipping out to the bathroom in between sips of seven up. If they know, I'm sure they'll understand you nipping out. Otherwise I'd make a judgement call, I know I'd rather be miserable at home than out.