Looking for experience at Kingston Hospital please!

[Sam1975]

Hi
Im due to give birth in December at Kingston Hospital and am still confused about the available options and pros & cons between NHS vs private route, Malden Suite vs Labour Ward etc - has anyone had experience in Kingston? Many thanks!!

I might see you there :). Malden suite was brilliant for me. The midwives (from my and others' experiences) will try to send you home if they think you're not established enough which can be upsetting but all London hospitals are the same.

Post-natally better than other local hospitals but no London ones are great. I made sure I left the same day so I wouldn't have to share a ward all night. Midwives fab during the actual birth.

just given birth for second time there10 days ago. scuse one-handed typing - cradling baby!

this time in MW led malden suite - very good birth and immediate postpartum care. midwives competent and calm. shortage of beds but those there are are mostly in single rooms - a huge boon in my opinion.

2.5 years ago v medicalised birth in labour ward. again, good care during birth but several different MWs owing to shift changes. Very poor postpartum care in shared ward of 5 beds. It was unpleasant i have to be honest, and poor feeding advice. things may have changed since then tho, big caveat there. i did get a needed epidural within 30 mins of asking because they are more geared up for them on labour ward. on malden you can transfer if you need one, but i was told there might be a delay of up to 3 hours .

in both births, have had to fight for home visits afterwards and appropriate breastfeeding s upport. there is a BF counsellor who is excellent but as far as i am aware not promoted - eg you need to ask to see her. You will need to be assertive about postnatal support if you want it,that is!

overall horrid first experience, very good second one.

hope that helps!

Needaname and Narmada - huge thanks, this helps a lot!
Needaname - sounds like you are due with your second on soon - all the best!!