St Thomas' - London

[Applesauce29]

Hi, does anyone know the no of midwives per labour bed in St Thomas'?

I just did a tour of Royal London yesterday and was shocked to hear they only have a max of 8/9 on duty per 31 beds on their delivery suite. I thought this was below NICE guidelines. I'm scared I won't be able to get an epidural if I want one because of lack of midwives :(

[rach6122]

Not sure sorry but I have had both my babies there and the first time I had my midwife with me the whole time (didn't let her leave my side) and last time which was last month I had two and I was the only person they were looking after, and it was v busy. I had an epidural this time but the anaesthetist was v busy so had to wait a while, don't think lack of midwives would affect this but whether anaesthetist is available if you see what I mean. The furst time which was December 12 I wanted an epidural but couldn't have one because I was on home from home and all the birth centre beds were taken. So my advice is to tell them beforehand you want an epidural (I didn't first time and wrote it in my notes that I definitely didn't want one, soon changed my mind!) and as soon as you get there say I want an epidural as soon as poss. Hope thus all makes sense! Baby brain..