Best maternity ward in north London

[Misslemon01]

I am due to book my 12-week scan, and the GP suggested UCLH. I know others in Islington who chose to have their baby at Whittington and the Royal Free. Any advice on who to go for?

[indigo7]

Had my two at UCLH and was very happy there. One emergency C-section and next one VBAC. DC2 unfortunately -and unexpectedly- needed time in NICU and was so happy the unit was right there. Know nothing about the other two hospitals though - they may also be brilliant.

[Lules]

I moved before I gave birth but I had my antenatal care at RF. I wouldn't particularly recommend it. The actual care was fine but it was extremely busy to the point where no-one answered the phone or the door to triage/MDAU. I don't know if all London hospitals are like that though.

[TriJo]

I'm in Archway and had my DS in the birth centre at the Whittington. Was quite happy there, it's also by far the most convenient option for me.

[QueenOfTheAndals]

The birth centre at the Whittington is fantastic. I didn't much like the look of the labour ward there, but I gather that that's undergone substantial refurbishment since I had DC 3 years ago.

[PopsicleToes]

Gave birth to DS at UCH 1 year ago and found the care excellent during the birth itself but felt a bit left to my own devices on maternity ward after that, particularly with regards to breastfeeding. But I gather that is pretty common wherever you are. Was lucky enough to arrive when hospital was quiet and had a room in birth centre with pool (although I ended up in labour ward as needed extra help to get big-headed DS out). One thing to consider is that at UCH you will probably never see the same midwife twice, whereas I think at Whittington you would have one assigned to you - from what I heard from a friend who gave birth there. Another thing to consider is emergency/urgent/out of hours care during pregnancy. For example I had some spotting very early on was able to go straight to the early pregnancy unit without an appointment and was see within an hour. I don't know how this compares with other hospitals but they are clearly well-resourced and it really shows in some areas.

[TriJo]

It's supposed to be one midwife that you see at the Whittington - think I saw 3-4 different ones with DS due to my original midwife going on sick leave though. I'm 23 weeks with #2 and have seen the same one for 3 appointments so far.

[ibentmywookie]

I had a planned c-section at the Whittington, it was fine. The post-natal ward was hell, but I gather that most are. Most of my nct group also had their babies there and no complaints.

Having said that, I will be going to UCH if I have another, as it's easier for me transport wise. With my last pregnancy I did get as far as booking in at UCH, but then miscarried, and I have to say they did seem about 100x more efficient on that score. My antenatal care at the Whittington was a bit chaotic and there was very little consistency.

[outputgap]

I've had babies at UCH and St Thomas'. I did not fancy the Whittington. UCH were excellent, even post natal. St Thomas' were great up until birth, but post natal was actually hellish.

[Justcallmebabs]

I had my baby at the RF last year and couldn't fault it. Antenatal care was great. Very thorough; I was seen in a joint consultation by cardiology as I have heart problems. Everything was brilliantly explained to me, and they really tried to accommodate my wishes where possible. I have had friends and family have babies there and always good experiences. I was also given the option of UCH but opted for RF as closer. The facilities at UCH are lovely but from 2 people's experiences they were sent away from the hospital and when they returned babies arrived very soon after.

I would opt for slightly more surburban hospitals for parking and ease of getting there (depending where you live). I would also have realistic expectations of the service; appointments are going to run behind, you probably won't see the same midwives etc but you are giving birth in major teaching hospitals in one of busiest cities in the world!

[pamelastone]

I was in London when I gave birth to my now 3yo daughter. My experience was great over there. I am sure the labor ward would have gone through refurbishment by now. So, it should be even better than before.

[Meganlee33]

I'm 31 weeks pregnant and have been at UCLH for my antenatal care - so far so good!

[timeisnotaline]

I am back at uclh for my second child. My reasons for coming back were medical standards for my child, and the excellent physio service I had for about 8 months post birth to recover from a bad tear. Antenatal was different midwife every time, one truly horrrible, confusion about policy on things like whooping cough vaccine, failed to give me the induction pamphlet so I felt very uninformed. Postnatal was pretty uncaring in the maternity unit. I suspect that's typical though, hence I'm back for the overall medical standards.

[Discotits]

Have had two at Whittington, 2013 and 2015. Had great care, was on labour ward both times, post natal
Ward terrible, but as pp said I think they all are. It was most convenient for me although I looked at RF, but it had a few negative reviews.

[MrsMarigold]

I went to UCLH for my first, the Whittington for my second. The birth itself in UCLH was well managed and although I had an emergency c-section it was relatively stress free. My DC was readmitted and we spent 10 days in there - I went quite mad but the staff were kind.

`The Whittington I never saw the same midwife twice but was more convenient as closer to home, especially for appointments. Birth VBAC - most useless midwife on the planet they did not allow me to hold my daughter after she was born and spent hours on paperwork. After care good but the ward was grubby, blood on the wall next to my bed etc. very kind god breastfeeding support. Glad I had DD there as she arrived fast and there are fewer speed bumps on the way to the hospital.