Private Maternity

[SunshineBean]

Hello all

Have just been researching private maternity as would like to have the delivery only in private, but prices in London still seem extortionate.

Anybody have any advice experience of getting a delivery only for 6k or less?

Thanks
Kim

[elk4baby]

Unfortunately, it's difficult to predict what your birth will be like.

If not for the need to stay an extra night, mine would've been well under 6K (including consultant's fee). This was in Portland.

I had a natural (no meds, not even gas & air) labour until I got to the second stage and DS got stuck as was coming sideways. So I had to have an epidural (at 2nd stage :() and a ventouse delivery. Had I not lost so much blood, they would've let me go home straight after. But because I had to stay a second night (after a 23 hour labour & birth ), the total cost was almost 10K (nursery fees alone were about 1200, though we never used it).

The total cost depends on whether you've had a consultant follow your pregnancy throughout as well. Most have a fixed fee for pregnancy + delivery.

Why not call a few hospitals and ask what their fees are, normally? They have no reason to withhold this information and I believe they're actually obligated to tell you.
Just remember that you might end up needing things like an epidural (even if you don't plan on it), assisted delivery or even a C-section. That's aside from the normal - room fees, consultant fees, nursery fees, paediatrician fees (if you're having your baby checked after birth - good idea, btw). And do ask what they charge for a second night's stay (should you need one) - this is less than the inial 24hr charge, but still considerable.

[elk4baby]

*inial = initial

[poachedegg]

Take a look at the birth team at Watford General, 15 minutes up the M1 from central London www.thebirthteam.com

[SunshineBean]

Thanks elk4baby, that was very informative!

And poachedegg, this was my alternative if I couldn't find anything in London!

xx

[PandaSam]

Have a look at the birth centre in Wandsworth, it's really close to st georges hospital but is a private facility. Think it's between £3-6k depending on how involved they are before delivery.

Sorry on iPhone so can't link!

[lilly13]

I think in London standard consultant fees for a private delivery range between gbp5k to gbp6.5k plus hospital fees between gbp4k to gbp5k... i haven't seen lower figures.

[SunshineBean]

Yep, that's about what I've been quoted :/

[AliMidwife]

I am a Midwife running private antenatal classes. Sorry I cant help on the delivery front, but have a look at our website for further details www.antenatalclass.net

[lilly13]

Hi AliMidwife, where do you do 1-to-1 sessions? Do you come to people's homes? I live in central london.

[motherofsnortpigs]

Is an independent MW a possibility? They charge about 3k for a full ante and post natal package. They do tend to specialise in homebirth, but if you needed to transfer to hospital for whatever reason you would have full access to NHS facilities - I for one wouldn't be like to be thinking, 'o no not the c-section/assisted delivery that's too expensive!!' The post-natal care with an IM is also fantastic.

Could probably hunt out a recommendation if you're interested.

Just something to add into the melting pot!

[AliMidwife]

Hi Lilly13, we do come to peoples homes for the 1-to-1 sessions. Ive sent you a private message for more details