Homerton MLU - any experiences?

[ecuse]

Has anyone had experience of giving birth in Homerton hospital - either the MLU or the delivery suite? Hear it's shiny and new, but wondering what people's experiences are. Alternative for me would be UCLH.

[applecharlotte]

Hi - I'm at Homerton but only 32 weeks so not given birth yet. Just wanted to say I can't fault the antenatel care I've received so far. The midwives i've seen at each appointment have been great. Also my 20 weeks sonographer was fantastic, she talked us through each part of the baby and made the whole experience really special. We paid for a private scan last week on Harley Street and I have to say it was rubbish in comparison.

Also, at my 30 week appoint last week I complained of hip pain, they referred me to their physio department who called me the same day to book me in with a physiotherapist 3 days later.

I'm doing the hospital tour in early Jan so not actually seen the maternity ward but I too have heard its all brand spanking new so will be interesting to hear what others say.

[applecharlotte]

Oops - antenatal

[MogTheForgetfulCat]

Not recently, but had DS1 there in 2006. Mixed experience - birth was tricky, and resources then were fantastic: same (lovely) midwife throughout, all the pain relief I wanted (gas and air and epidural in the end), could have used birthing pool if the idea hadn't made me shudder once I was in labour, cast of thousands appeared astonishingly quickly when things got tricky and got DS1 out with amazing efficiency (think it's a teaching hospital, so is the place where all tricky cases within a certain area get sent as they have the resources and skills to deal with them - that's what I was told).

On the ward afterwards (3 days!) was not so good - midwives terribly understaffed and overworked, lots of auxiliaries who didn't seem to give much of a toss, not enough help with bf'ing so really struggled with that for weeks afterwards. Not really anyone's fault, but it was a shock after the amazing experience with the actual birth. But still, better that way round, I suppose. Anyway, as I said, it was a while ago so might all have changed now!

[Rosebud05]

I had my babies there in 2005, 2007 and 2009. Would agree that antenatal and delivery suite care excellent, though post-natal very lacking. The longest I stayed in with any of them was overnight, and it wasn't a pleasant experience.
Haven't see the new MLU, but would definitely recommend having babies there.

[squiggleywiggler]

Hi there

I had my baby via Homerton midwives who were brilliant - but at home.

As a doula I've supported a woman at the MLU, who had a fast and easy labour there with great midwives and the shiny new unit was very nice.

I'm lookign after someone else there in Jan so can update you.

The post-natal care is supposed to be rubbish, but it is in a lot of places.

[Miffster]

I have had my scans there (excellent,m with latest equipment so you don't have to have a full bladder), was referred to the physio for SPD there (also swift, excellent care with group class, individual session and free support belt) and am booked for a December homebirth with the community midwives, who have also been fab. I have continuity of care with the same midwife visiting my home. Hopefully she will deliver my baby.

I will be transferred the hospital if there is a problem and know that the emergency baby care is excellent. However, the main reason I am having a home birth rather than using the MLU is I have heard grim things about the post natal ward and would rather get into my own bed with new DC1 and DH than be bullied/barked at and disturbed by the horrible night staff and aggravated by the hoardes of ward visitors.

Most London post natal wards are grim though, as far as I know.


Homerton MLU do a rolling series of 4 antenatal lectures at the clinic for booked-in couples to attend, one of them features a tour of the MLU. You can book in/inquire by calling the antenatal clinic or the midwife office via Homerton switchboard