Birth of first baby - Queen Marys Sidcup OR Darenth Valley Hospitals

[Ozmama]

Hello all,

This is my first time on mumsnet so I hope I am posting this correctly!

I am new to the UK and will be having our first child in Sept.

I have a choice of Queen Marys Sidcup or Darenth Valley Hospital.

I am unsure which way to go as I have heard mixed reactions on each.

Can anyone share expereince or advise me on which they would recommend and why.

Thanks for your help

[Squirtle]

had ds3 at Q MAry's and everything was fine. Friendly staff, clean wards, excellent care when things went a bit pear shaped for me after the birth. Friend has twins there too and had a good time. No experience of Darenth.
Congratulations.

[Kbear]

I had my two at Queen Mary's Sidcup, nothing bad to report about my care really. Don't expect to get treated like you're the only one there is my advice, be prepared to get clean cot sheets yourself and to get out of bed and get your dinner, even after a c-section!! As in all hospitals there are complete angels for nurses and a few less angelic types! My second birth experience was blessed by Alison, the most caring midwife. I couldn't praise her enough.

My cousin had her babies at Darenth Valley and says it was all good there - no complaints. I think you just have to visit each one and go on your instincts.

Good luck.

[Kbear]

oh forgot to say Welcome to Mumsnet!!

[Oumasrusks]

I had both my girls at Queen Mary's (the first one in Oct 2006 and the second in Dec last year) and had excellent care both times. I wouldn't hesitate to have another baby at Queen Mary's, although I think they are under threat of closure. Like Kbear said, maybe visit both and decide that way.

[wahwah]

I think DVH have a midwife led unit with pools and everything, so if i wasn't having a home birth again I would certainly be looking there.

[Ozmama]

Thanks everyone, I think I will check out both, your comments are really helpful.

[beautifulgirls]

The actual birth bit for me was well supported at QM, but both times I found the aftercare on the postnatal ward severely lacking and I could not get out of there fast enough. Be warned if you are expecting a summer baby that you will FRY in there. It was not a lot better in March when I had #2 mind you with all the heating on.

Personally if I had the choice again I would consider DV based upon friends experiences, though I would like to see it for myself before making a decision on that too.

[Mum2b2BabyRoo]

I have heard really good things about Darenth Valley Hospital - no personal experiences myself though.

[charlotteryder]

Hi Ozmama,

Came across this site, loads of info about hospitals, Darent actually got some ok reviews,
www.babyfy.com/index.php/hospital-review/2863/Dartford/Darent-Valley-Hospital--Dartford/

Char