Private CSs - can you arrange this just for delivery or do you have to sign up for whole pregnancy?

[Furzella]

I've had 2 emergency CSs with dds and we are thinking about trying for number 3 (dc not CS!). I know next time I will need an elective CS and am comfortable with this. However, I've had such grim experiences of NHS hospitals and particularly post-natal care that I'm thinking about going private if I get pregnant again. As I've had totally straightforward pregnancies, I'm not really bothered about fancy ante-natal care. It's just the delivery itself I would like to do privately. I'd probably choose a private unit within a major NHS hospital (like St Thomas's where I had dd2 - surgery great, but after-care hell on legs). All the packages I'm looking at seem to include full ante-natal care. Does anyone know if you can just go for a private delivery (obviously meeting the consultant beforehand!) but have most of your routine ante-natal stuff on the NHS?

[Ladymuck]

Presumably if you make your decision about having a private delivery fairly late on in the pg?

[Furzella]

I'm a bit worried that if I leave it late, the beds will be booked up by organised types! From other threads on private CSs, it seems as though people book in at conception practically!

[lulumama]

I believe there is such a demand for private care, that you need to book early......you can choose a different NHS hospital from the one you have had your other babies in.....

why not contact the particular unit you have in mind and ask them?

[Yanka]

I had an elective CS at Lindo Wing of St. Mary's - on my first visit they gave me the options of full private care (the whole works) or shared care (ante-natal on NHS and delivery privately).
The operation itself was a pretty good experience and the post-delivery care there was wonderful (essentially the most expensive hotel I have ever stayed in

My friend did the shared care option at St. Mary's - I think she only booked around 20th week

[miniegg]

definitely book it early. i made inquiries about the private unit at the chelsea and westminster when i was about five months pregnant and they practically burst out laughing..that was back in early May; i am due in July and the unit was booked up until november! some yummy mummies must book before they've even had their 12 week scans!