Coming into hospital
The staff at East Surrey Hospital try to create a warm friendly atmosphere.
Your care during labour will be provided by a midwife. There are no set routines and every labour is different.
We run a triage system where you will be assessed as to the best place for to deliver, either our eight-bedded delivery suite or our Birthing Unit, offering a home-from-home environment. (Please see information below). 
Together you, your birth companion and midwife will decide the best plan for you.
You may need to be attended by more than one midwife/doctor depending on the length of your labour.
Please do not be afraid to ask if you are unsure about anything.
Number to ring when you are in labour or for emergencies only - 01737 231764.
When you should ring the hospital:
- If you have regular contractions
- If your waters break (membranes rupture)
- If you bleed vaginally, however slightly
- If your baby moves less than normal
- If you are worried
What the midwives need to know:
- Your name, hospital number and date of birth
- If your pregnancy is normal
- What is causing you concern
- Details about your contractions
- If your waters have broken
- The number of previous pregnancies
- Estimated delivery date (EDD)
What to bring into hospital:
- Your maternity case notes
- Something to wear in labour (that you don't mind being spoilt)
- Nightdresses
- A dressing gown
- Slippers
- Comfortable day clothes (if you will want to change)
- Toiletries
- Towels (for you)
- Maternity pads
- Nursing bra / pads
- Tissues
- Nappies
- Baby clothes
- Cotton wool / baby wipes
- A small plastic bowl (for washing baby's face)
- Pillow with your own pillow case (for extra comfort if you wish)
- Plastic bags for laundry
- Money for the car park
- Change for the telephone
- Snacks and something to drink for your birthing partner
Downloadable tick form of what to bring into hospital.
Please do not bring any valuables or excessive amounts of money.
Most birth rooms have ensuite facilities, subdued lighting and a telephone for incoming calls only.
There are coin boxes in the waiting room. Music is available through headphones but some rooms also have a cassette/radio, so you may like to bring your own taped music.
If you bring in electrical appliances, these must be checked for safety before use. Checking is only available between Monday and Friday, 9am-5pm (contact the Delivery Suite to arrange this).
Pain relief
There are many ways of helping to relieve pain and discomfort in labour. These can range from simple things such as relaxing in water, walking about, TENS etcetera to Entonox (gas and air), Pethidine and epidurals. For further information please go to
All women are different and one method of pain relief will work well for some women and not for others. It is best to keep an open mind and if something is not working well, try something else.
When the waters break
If you have had a normal pregnancy and your membranes rupture (waters break) and you are not in labour, the midwife will ask you some questions. They will then advise you either to stay at home, or come in for assessment only.
Information will be given to you on what to do next and when to do it.
Home births
Although most women will choose to have their baby in hospital, some women will feel more comfortable giving birth at home.
Home births can be arranged when there are no likely medical or pregnancy complications.
Please discuss your request as early as possible with the community midwife based at your GP surgery, or contact the hospital's maternity unit and ask to speak to a midwife.
