Going private for baby no 2 after PND

[Ilovepeanutbuttersandwiches]

After an horrific bout of post natal depression following the birth of my first child, including two hospital stays including a mother and baby unit, I am making plans for what I could do to lessen the blow should I ever be brave enough to do it all again.

One of those plans is looking in to private healthcare for the antenatal care and the birth, an elected c section is what I am after.

Just going in to my doctor's surgery the other day to make an app with my GP to discuss getting pregnant again brought back a lot of bad memories. I may end up being too traumatised to do this again but it would be good to know my options.

Anyone on here had a similar experience? Has anyone gone private and have any recommendations?

I'm based in London.

Thanks

hi so sorry to hear about your experiences so far. Try to remember that each pregnancy and birth is different for everyone. so you never know the next time around might be much better. i wanted to let you know that you can have an elective c on the NHS if you have valid reasons and to me it sounds like you do- don't take no for an answer just say i want to discuss planning a section they will try talk you out of it but at the end of the day it is still your choice! you've tried it other ways and they're been too traumatic for you so you now want to try it this way. Just make sure you fully understand what is involved with a c section it's not all it's cracked up to be and certainly isn't any easier -especially the recovery. I would do your own research and then also listern to specialists surgeons /doctors advice on pros and cons of a c section. I would strongly recommend the private post /antenatal classes though they seem a lot more positive to me having done both.

if you're convinced Private is the way to go contact a few there's loads in London and find out what packages there are Portland hospital London is supposed to be good.. I would also inform them of PND so they can support you every step of the way
best of luck

I had private care for my pregnancy and birth with the Portland. 8 years ago, it cost £11K all in, including epidural and 2 nights hospital stay. I imagine c section would cost a fair bit more though.

I didn't see my then GP at all throughout, perfect as they were useless and I could never get an appointment anyway. It was a wonderful experience at the Portland, completely personalised to my needs. All scans, ante natal classes etc and they were very attentive and caring. I can imagine if you had PND they would be equally good in providing additional support.

If you go to Portland then you can have whatever you want, I think the lindo wing is good as well. I think I would get in contact with them and ask about prices, the only thing that would put me off is the expected cost if something went wrong and baby needed scubu etc.

Unexpected even

We've chosen a private c-section for similar reasons: I want more support, more sleep, more attention from midwives, an easier recovery (and private c-sections have easier recoveries than NHS c-sections because they use different more expensive ways to glue/stitch you up).

It's worth looking into. Portland, the lindo, and the private wing at st Thomas's all have good reputations.

In terms of cost, bear in mind you can always transfer to NHS care at any stage, e.g. If your baby does need SCBU.

We went private for ds2 last year as my first birth was very traumatic and I refused to consider getting pregnant unless I knew there was someone qualified with me the whole time.

We used Lorin Lakasing as our consultant and gave birth at the Portland. It was really relaxed and better than I could have hoped.

It cost approx £22k for c section and 2 night stay with all appointments and blood tests, scans etc beforehand.

Just seen all your messages, thanks so much for the replies.

My husband has health insurance through work that covers a private c section for medical reasons but I've been unable to find a list of what constitutes medical reasons so far. I will give the insurance company a ring tomorrow to ask but assume it will be situations such as breech baby.

Unless an obstetrian advising that I should be given an elective c section counts? Which after the birth of my first is what my very sheepish looking obstetrian said she would advise if I ever tried again.

I recommend the Kensington Ward at the Chelsea and Westminster. Wonderful experience.

Thanks Tobebythesea. So you mind me asking what the total cost was?

Spoke to the insurance company and got the list that they would cover a c section for. Damage (mental and physical!) from previous birth not covered.

I was going to go private for similar reasons at C&W but started on the NHS and they referred me to a consultant who agreed to planned C section straight away. He also advised me to save my money for holidays and school fees and get it on the NHS by the same team I would pay £££s for privately. I am hoping to transfer to the Kensington wing after the section though for recovery. This will be dependant on availability though which is the only risk.

I'm through Bupa so it's a bit different but non Bupa consultant fees are around £6k with the birth on top. vaginal birth I think around £7k. Epidural top up is around £600. Pm me if you want.

Google Kensington Wing fees and the 2015 fees PDF are posted.

Thanks, it was the consultant fee info I was missing so that's good to know.

And also good to know about going through NHS with possibility of transferring to private post natal ward after the birth.

Can I ask a stupid question? Why the c section? I'm not a secret natural birther. I wouldn't want an induction again but might consider 'natural' with drugs. I had forceps and pph and technically nearly died but didn't feel 'traumatised ' by the birth.
Will this just help with a traumatic experience or just for planning? Or to avoid risk if that's the source of anxiety?
I had severe pnd and pna and antenatal anxiety also.
Thank you

I've only just seen your message DK. C section wanted because I have an extreme phobia of birth.
I've been told by NHS consultant that they will do elective c section if I got pregnant again. But now there's the fear of the depression hitting again after baby is born that's stopping us trying.