Hi everyone

I am still deciding where i would like to deliver. Not sure if id rather Calvery Private or John James. I'veheard mixed reviews about both!

Some suggestions would be fantastic!

Thanks
Anna

Anna
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I delivered at john james, elective c/section. I found the experience just wonderful. Although the decore/room size isnt as nice as calvary, the nurses are just delightful!

I have heard some dodgy things about calvary's nursing staff. A friend of mine was sent home with her 1st child without being shown all the basics.

John James had remarkable staff who werent too over the top about things. I seriously couldn't have had a better experience. Highly recommended... they also have a lovely outdoor courtyard that you can go to throughout the day with visitors and your new baby.

I think that maybe the birthing rooms at calvary may be nicer, and you can stay with your partner there all the time - cause there's a double bed. This would be nice but judging on the reviews I have had on the nursing staff there, IMO I wouldnt be game to risk it.

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I loved John James. I thought the rooms were really nice, the food was great and the staff excellent.
They allow you to take your baby to the nursery any time you need a rest (within reason I guess - I only took Maddy once though). Your partner can stay but it does cost extra but your insurance may cover it. They also organise a dinner for you your partner (in your room - they set up a nice table with candles/flowers ect) and and take bubs away or they are happy to watch bubs while you go out for a meal. I was able to ring the hostpital during the first 6 weeks and ask any question I needed.
I have heard good things about both but I will definately go back to John James for my next baby

Good luck
Michelle

I recently delivered at Calvary Private and I had a very rewarding and enjoyable experience which would almost make me consider having a third baby...which I definately won't be doing.
I suppose that every woman has a different experience and different expectations of what they expect from their stay and care whilst in private facilities and although a previous poster heard mixed reviews from Calvary Private, I have only just finished writing a letter to commend them on my care and stay.
I had a daughter 15 months ago in a NSW private hospital and it was NOTHING like I just experienced.
The staff at CP were very informative and allowed me to dictate what information I wanted/needed and what help I needed, they gave me the comfort of knowing I was in control and they were only a buzzer away if I needed.
My DH didn't stay at the hospital nor eat meals there as he was looking after DD, however the double bed was a nice to have.
So, my suggestion, check out the facilities of both, and decide on what options you prefer and/or where your specialist delivers

Kath

Hi

I think Kath's point is a good one...both John James and Calvary are good hospitals with equivalent facilities, so pick the OB that is right for you, and then go to the hospital where they deliver...I think choice of OB is far more important than which hospital (as long as the hospital is of a good standard)

Annajane,
I have yet to deliver, but I'll tell you what swayed my choices. We had recommendations of two Obs, one for JJ and one for CP. We checked out both places and I had a good feeling at CP, and not as good at JJ. My gut told me CP and the fact that they encourage partners/husbands to stay over nights (much more so than at JJ) sold it for my partner who feels this is really important.

But as the other ladies say, both are probably good and the time you have at the hospital probably depends on the midwives/nursing staff rostered on who you deal with and possible personalities clashes/differences, more than with huge differences in the level of service/care. Go with an Obs you trust (we LOVE ours, which makes our decision for CP so much better :-))

Nicole

~Me (33) DH (32)~

"The pea" EDD Oct 2nd, 2005
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bimbogirl,

Do you mind me asking who your ob is it sounds like your really really happy with him/her and i am on the look out. I also agree that partner staying over is really important for all 3 of us



Anna
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Hi Anna,
My obs is Dr Jakub Dreher, who works out of Calvery. I can't recommend him highly enough. He always takes the time we need at appointments and is always available for questions. He is a pragmatic kinda guy, and has really been honest but sensitive with us. We had some pretty scary nuchal translucency/bloods results and we appreciated all he did for us in explaining things and being supportive of our decision for a CVS. Everything is AOK now, and I am so glad that we are seeing him.

I am sure there are others as good as him btw, but I do recommend him :-)

Nicole

~Me (33) DH (32)~

"The pea" EDD Oct 2nd, 2005
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I haven't had my bub yet but I am going to Calvary - I choose Calvary Private becasue it is so close to home and my parents place. I didn't think that it would be fair to make my husband drive across town more than once a day when he could just pop down the road. I didn't go and look at it until after I had made my decision but once I looked at it I was so happy with my choice and was saying to my husband why would you go to JJ? I have had friends who have been to JJ and one had a good expereince and the other didn't have good experiences (both times she was there). My friend was given very different and conflicting advice from the midwives at JJ and they were quite rude to her as well.

I like Calvary because the rooms are bigger and more homely, your partner can stay for free (and not in a fold away bed!) and they also just seem a bit more modern.

Goodluck with your choice.

Sarah

Just as a further consideration, John James isn't registered as a "baby friendly" hospital, whereas Calvary is. I can't say whether this makes any different to the care, as I didn't use either (went to the birth centre), but if it's important to you to have these options and encouragement, then you might want to look into it.

Good luck with your decision.

Hi there,

I have to agree whole heartedly with Cath and Nicole. We too had Jakub Dreher and put it this way - I honestly can not wait to have my next baby to have him again!! We also had a fairly stresful pregnancy and he was WONDERFUL. I am yet to hear one negative thing about Jakub and as mentioned liking your ob/care provider is more important then liking the hospital I think.

I LOVED Calvary private and will certainly go there again - but that is on my limited experience of one hospital. I am of the opinion if it aint broke don't fix it so I will certainly go there again.

Good luck

Mel
DH - Tim
DS - Ayden 06.04.05
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Thanks everyone!
It's such an important decision and i am extremely grateful for all your shared experiences. I really want to do the right thing for both of us and am going to make some phone calls monday! Once again i can't thank you all enough. it means a lot to me.

Thanks again

Anna (22)

Anna
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Annajane, the three hospitals all have regular times each week when you can have a look at the facilities - it helps to see for yourself what it will be like. Also, Canberra Hospital has a birth centre that I've heard good things about, if you want a more natural home-like environment (they also do water births). But you have to book in EARLY for the birth centre - best to book in anyway, then cancel if you change your mind.

I had Dr Dreher for Sophia's birth last April, and he's also doing v2.0's birth in September. I had some prem labour issues with Sophia and spent a couple of weeks at Canberra public, and it was horrible mainly because I don't think they have enough staff and the people they do have are overworked. Calvary Private was infinitely nicer mainly because of the staff, but it helped that my husband could stay in my room as I spent the first 24hrs in bed after the caesarian.

Oh, and we live on the opposite side of town from Calvary. But I reckon if I have to do the birth, the least DH can do is drive across town to see me!

A few more things: Calvary Private are more breastfeeding-friendly than Canberra public, in my opinion. I've heard that JJ doesn't have baby-bathing facilities in the rooms, but not sure if that's true. And JJ is closer to Canberra hospital if you think your baby may have serious problems requiring neonatal intensive care unit (Canberra hospital is the only one with NICU). And Calvary Private has much better food than Canberra public - although you'll be so hungry after the birth that you'll be willing to eat your bed-slippers if necessary.

Hi Annajane

Congrats on your pregnancy

Have you decided which OB you will go with yet?

Where you decide to deliver will depend on which OB you have as not all OB's deliver at all hospitals. You are lucky that you have plenty of time to work this one out.

I am 22wks preg on Monday & have only put in my booking form for JJMH this week. My Dr is Dr Stafford-Bell & he only delivers at JJMH & he has told me that fortunately in Canberra it is very unlike Sydney where you have to book in as soon as you find out your preg, as he doesnt book his patients into hospital until they are 20 weeks pregnant.

I would wait until you see your OB & get their opinion on which hospital is best.

As far as OB's go, my sister used Dr Armellin & she loved him & he works out of Calvary & JJMH. So he could be a good OB to go see, as he will give you an honest opinion on both hospitals.

Also, I would try to go for one that is reasonably close to where you live.

Cheers, Lilymurray

ME 28
DH 28
TTC #1 12/03
Gonal F -BFN 2/12/04
Gonal F -BFP Triplets due 11/10/05
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This message was edited by lilymurray on Saturday, 4 June 2005 @ 11:07 AM