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Childbirth

Anyone had any experience of the MLD Unit at the Portland?

6 replies

BabyNubie · 08/08/2008 14:45

Due to having heard only horror stories about birth experiences at my local NHS hospital (including BBC documentaries!!!) and my GP giving me the impression that it was my only option, I have signed up for Midwife Led Delivery at the Portland and would be really grateful if any one who has delivered there could share their thoughts on it, as my due date gets closer I am feeling very nervous about if I have done the right thing

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surreylady · 08/08/2008 20:22

Yes me - BUT DD is now 6 so not sure if times have moved on - anyway GREAT experience and would recommend - who is there these days? I did end up having an emergency C section (not planned) as was a shoulder presentation - BUT- consultant was fab and I felt in control and part of the decision process all along- walked into theatre and very calm and pleasnt experience (unlike my previous NHS natural birth. Hope it is Fab for you.

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twinkle3869 · 09/08/2008 11:12

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surreylady · 09/08/2008 13:24

I should have added - the cost to me remained at the Mid Wife package - The Portland pick up the theatre and room stay costs as it is unusual for a natural birth not to complete and my Private health paid all my consultant costs. But do think that consultant costs if required (above the standard visits that are included) do need to be covered if required - no probs if you have a private health policy.

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twinkle3869 · 09/08/2008 15:46

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deb1972 · 11/08/2008 17:24

Hello, I was under the Portland MLD from January, but at my 32 week scan in July they detected pre-eclampsia and I was transferred over to Consultant-led care and delivered 48 hours later. All fine now. The care was excellent on both sides, could not fault it in any way - the MLD unit were the ones that picked up the problems when they were not 100% "entrenched" yet, so I am really grateful to them for that. We bumped into a lot of the midwives whilst under consultant-led care, they would stop you in the street around there and give you a massive hug and ask how things were going, and always asking after the baby. We went back last Friday with the baby and they were all delighted to see him - especially the person who did the scan that first picked up the problems and referred me over to a consultant - she was delighted! I was 100% delighted with the care in MLD and was sad that I was not able to complete there, but I would recommend it thoroughly and go there again if I was to get pregnant again. I would say you have definitely done the right thing! I have nothing to compare the care to, as I have not used the NHS for maternity and this was my first baby, but i was really impressed with the detail of the care/scans/advice etc and the amount of time that was spent.

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BabyNubie · 13/08/2008 10:27

Thank you all that makes me feel better! am sure is just first birth looming that is making it play on my mind but lately I just seemed to go into worry mode!! the experience I have had so far has been great so fingers crossed! x