I'm 8 1/2 wks pg w/ my 1st and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations about having their baby w/ private care in london. we definitely would like consultant-led care (any suggestions w/ any OBs would be wonderful as well).

we're expats covered by good insurance and although we've assumed the portland hospital would be a great place to consider, it's been pointed out to us that although for the most part it has great facilities, a really big negative is that it can't handle emergencies that could arise during birth. (!!!)

i know some nhs hospitals have private wings-- has anyone experienced these places as a private patient? how was it? when the baby's due, we'll be living in north london/crouch end. i've heard various things about the whittington, but it's been mostly "average" and "ok".

i know i'm probably sounding over-cautious, but as i mentioned it is our first and being (relatively)new to london and the uk-- childbirth is going to be crazy enough-- we just want as smooth and pleasant an experience as possible.

sorry for the long message, and thanks in advance to everyone-- j

St John's and St Elizabeth's (John and Lizzie's). Wonderful!

A friend had an elective c-section at the private wing of St Marys - they were v happy with the care

Another friend had their DC at the Portland - MW failed to notice baby was breech so they had a scary emergency section

There are a lot of threads on Lindo (St Mary's) and Kensington (C&W) OBs if you look on the Pregnancy/Childbirth boards. A number of my friends have had are positive experiences at the Portland (and a lot of OBs also practice at the Portland) but for the reasons you mention I prefer the private wing of the C&W - however I am in West London. John & Lizzie's actually has fewer emergency facilities than the Portland I understand. I would speak to the Portland about your concerns - I think you will find the number of emergencies that they have been unable to deal with on-site have been extremely rare indeed, but of course it's a factor (particularly if you are high risk for any reason). I have a friend from Islington who has had two babies with Mr Kelleher at the Lansdell (St Thomas', SE1) and very happy with it there (and managed to reach the hospital OK both times!) If you are interested in a private wing place I would really get on and book it - particularly if you are really fussed about the OB you have, as they get booked up very quickly. And September is a very popular month for babies in the UK!

Hi I have just read your message and I'm sure by now you are all booked up with a ob. I had my first baby with the midwife led service at the Portland which was wonderful and it is backed up by consultants - mine was Pat O'Brien who is also at UCH. As well as having fantastic ante-natal care and a good unassisted birth of my 9lb 4oz baby girl, I found the aftercare from my midwife team wonderful. If you have consultant led care at the Portland, your post-natal care is carried out by midwifes who you never have met and some are agency staff. I'm 10 wks pregnant with my second and def going back to the Portland.