Share with me......

[LK2boyzma]

I am expecting a baby in November and the thought of going to Hillingdon is killing me because of the stuff I have read in the newspapers before. Does anyone have anything to share?

[hunkermunker]

What's killing you about it?

I've had two babies there and whilst the bf support wasn't great afterwards (and they're working on that now...!), the births were fab.

Is it your first baby?

[LK2boyzma]

hi hunkermunjer, thanks for the response! I have heard HORROR stories about it, bloods getting mixed up and just the reports in the Leader paper not long ago. That has got me agitated!

Its not my first baby, I had 1st DS in Chester, up north

[hunkermunker]

You're welcome!

Have you considered a home birth if going into the unit's worrying you?

Or how about hiring a doula? Who will you have with you as a birth partner?

I didn't see the Leader - what did it say? I know Northwick Park's had a bad rap lately because of the maternal deaths a couple of years ago

[MrsRecycle]

My friend is a student midwife at Hillingdon and she loves it there. I had two wonderful births there but they were c-sections. I think the midwifes are excellent but then the midwife that helped me with dd2 6 years ago is now in charge of all midwifes and we remembered her from before. So when I dropped ds1 on his head at only 2 days old, she immediately came up to see how we were (the paed was there instantly even though it was 2am). The paedetriatic care is second to none - both dd1 and ds have been admitted to Hillingdon (ds was then transferred to Great Ormond Street). I really cannot fault the medical service I received which, for me, means more than anything. Also, I loved the food (yes really!) all steamed cusine. If you a person for not getting off your feet and doing things then Hillingdon is not for you but I am not one to sit still even when I've got a drain on my wound.

Good luck!

[LK2boyzma]

Hunkermunker, I can't even consider a home birth because iam worried about all the noise/neighbrs and in case of complications!
I also would not want to put my DS thru that.

And the article about Hillingdon was about their incompetencies and how they were contemplating closing them for a while. But thinking about it now, I think that was mainly about the general side. Thanx nway, that's been helpful!

[mollythetortoise]

prob a bit late coming to this but i had my son at hillingdon in May. I had a lovely student midwife thorughout my labour (if you get offered a student, take one as they stay with you the whole time). I also had two midwives popping in and out throughout the labour. They were all fab and I felt very confident in them. Very kind too. Was my second baby and i would happily go back to them for a third! good luck!

[LK2boyzma]

Hi Molly, thanx for that, I have booked myself in a birth center and I hope I do not have any complications that will force me to go to hillingdon, but if I have to, I think I am mentally prepared for it now than I was before. Will keep you posted.

[MrsRecycle]

Hi Molly - she wasn't called Sam was she? Congrats on the birth!

LK2 - good luck with the birth - don't worry too much - I'm currently under the care of Hillingdon (breast cancer unit) and I cannot fault the service I am receiving. I even have a nurse assigned to me that I can ring anytime. As said before, paedetriatics was brill, neo-natal brill and birth experience (altho c-section) wonderful. Post natal not too good but that wasn't my priority.

[LK2boyzma]

MrsR- Hi and thanx for that, I hope all is with you. I know, post natal is less of a woryy because you kinda have yourself back and can deal with issues unlike being in labour

[LK2boyzma]

MrsR- Hi and thanx for that, I hope all is with you. I know, post natal is less of a woryy because you kinda have yourself back and can deal with issues unlike being in labour

[LK2boyzma]

Sorry about double post, thought the first one had not gone through then I clicked again

good night all
x

[reshma]

hi,
i had a traumatic time with my last semester and had to stay in about 5 weeks befroe and 3 weeks after c sec. I felt the same and wanted to go to another hospital.
It so happened that i ended up with hillingdon (no change) and it have very positive things to say.
The nurses were all pro bf and willing to help. it does also depend on how many mums have babies at the same time. During my stay, i had days where i had to wait for a few mins to get help, or sometimes got it straight away.this would be the case anywhere....

i would say, that i was actually surprised at how good the care i was given during birth was.