Government Hospital

i was at mowbray maternity hospital yesterday and saw that a c-sec at the Liesbeeck Birth Unit is R7000. you dont need to reside in that area to give birth there.

You are welcome Andie!!

WOW guys! Thanks so much for all your responses. I must say I am feeling so much better now about going to a government hospital. I still have yet to go for my checkup and make sure everything is ok. But now that I've heard good stories about government it puts me so much at ease.

Thanks so much for all your responses.

Hi

My 3d child was born in Government hospital in George. I had a planned C-section. They would not allow me trial of labor. (3d section). I had a great experience.

My friend is a doctor here, first year intern. She says they don't take chances if you had a section before, even after 1. Depending the reason of your first csection.

Good luck. The only thing I can tell you, is to not worry too much. It won't change that you have to go to a Government hospital, and it sure won't help you! Just stay calm, and believe all will be ok.

Ok - I have not had a C-Section.

BUT... I gave birth at a Government Hospital - Somerset Hospital in CPT and to be REALLY honest with you - I did not have a bad experience at all.

I was not on medical aid and went to the Antenatal Clinic throughout my pregnancy too - yes it was crappy to have to get up early every month or so to go see the Dr and go for my check-ups - but I know I was in good hands.

As for my birth - it went well too. The staff were wonderful and I had no complaints.

Sometimes we all seem to judge a book by its cover! Just my opinion!

hi there. i cant comment on c-sections but check out my MOWBRAY MATERNITY post in a few minutes and i'll update about my experience there on friday. may make you feel at ease about giving birth at a government hospital...

I stand corrected about this, but as far as I know government hospitals will only do planned c sections for a 3rd baby, but for second deliveries - unless complications prevent it will expect you to at least have a trail of labour....
One of my colleagues had a c section at one ofthe durban government hospitals after complications in her pregnancy resulted in her being seen by one of the obstetric consultants there (he is the top obstretician in durbs and doesnt practice privately - her private gynae actually made the referral) she decided to continue with her delivery there because she liked the consultant (it was her 3rd csection) and actually said she had a better experience at King Edward than at Parklands private.

Government hospitals get a bad wrap due to generally poor staffing levels, and demotivated staff, but honestly they arent all bad. and a lot of our countries top specialists work in them (teaching positions). Your only "concern" could be post op nursing care, but if you go in knowing that u wont be looked after like a private hospital you can plan accordingly.