Recommend Hospitals for Birth

I was thinking about this hospital but while staying with my step dad in Surrey I visited St Peter’s hospital (40mins away) and just felt way more comfortable there. They have a beautiful labour ward separate to the main hospital with mood lighting and pools etc and they do walk in visits to show you around and the women were LOVELY. I ended up having an elective c section here instead over Christmas and it was so beautiful. I met my surgeon the day before had counselling and a nurse I could call 24hours before for any questions and worries. And a private room and I was allowed visitors over night with no issues. My mum and sister stayed with me. Couldn’t recommend it enough. Xxx

St Marys has the curtain situation too, 💯 would not recommend , have you tried Queen Charlotte?

A friend of mine used Queen Charlotte and she gave birth in a beautiful private suite with its own bathroom. I thought it was private but it was not!

@Fanni queen Charlotte labour ward has a room for when you give birth but after it’s a room with curtains separating mums. About 4 in a room The birth centre might be different though

Hey @Allison if you are open to / considering a birthing center labour then Chelsea Westminster has some really nice rooms. I'd ask to have a look and understand the difference.

@Sofia is that the same as the Kensington Wing?

No... https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/services/maternity/pregnancy-birth/giving-birth/alongside-midwifery-led-birth-centr It's a separate section (on the third flood), but it's different to being on a labour ward, so for example I don't think you can have an epidural... So really depends on what you are wanting for your birth in general. But do have a think 😊. Hope it helps

Okay that’s really helpful! Thank you

I’m due to have bubs in Queen Charlottes any day now. Been really happy with their care so far, it’s smaller but very calm. Planning to go to the birth centre (about 8 or 10 private large rooms with big baths and a bed) said always have one available, and if I change my mind the labour ward has private rooms too. Seeing it in person has made me feel less anxious about it all x

Much appreciated @Alessana I’m going to have a look ☺️ and good luck ☺️☺️

@Allison welcome x For more context too, I had a traumatic mid term miscarriage last year in st Mary’s so wanted a change of hospital with this pregnancy, so went into it extra sensitive but I’ve been really impressed and supported with Queen charlottes they’ve been 10/10 with care and are known to also specialise in high risk complications too, not that it applies to you but does say a lot about their level of care. I’d say definitely worth visiting them. Everyone gets private rooms labour ward / birth centre x

Avoid St Mary’s at all costs. I originally had high expectations as it’s meant to be a good hospital. While the doctors were fantastic, we had an awful experience recovering in the post natal ward in midwife care. We were in a big room with 5 other families, all separated only with a curtain. It was very difficult to get any rest - as all babies apart from ours were crying at night. Also, midwives working night shifts were not very nice to patients. I appreciate it’s not an easy job but one should try to show basic professionalism and respect to people recovering from birth. Some were very condescending and showed lack of care.

@Elina I had similar experience, it was quite traumatic

@Fanni traumatic is the right word to use in this context. I never thought it could be that bad.

All private rooms post birth are first come first served so you want your partner to get your name on that list ASAP they need to ask for your name to go down the moment you get into the hospital. We had our daughter in a private room at Queen Charlottes and they were amazing. Private room and planned c section. Its certainly not the ritz but if you want a private room you get that.