Any feedback on the Homerton?

[HappyLate]

Hello

Pregnant with my second child & am deciding whether to stay NHS. I had a bad experience at the Homerton with a previous MC & went private for a DC. So with the next successful pregnancy we stayed private - St.Johns & Elizabeths. I had a complicated birth, 48h labour, no progress & ended in an emergency c section. So what I have learnt is birth is unpredictable & take drugs if it hurts too much (the hippy daydream for me is definitely over). With St. Johns a clear choice I feel really stuck as an alternative. Portland doesn't have the medical back up - St.Mary's, Lindo suite would be the next choice, but will the private expensive option be worth it? Should I just go NHS?

I know the Homerton has undergone a lot of changes & just wanted to know if anyone has had some recent experiences. I am a medical wimp & starting to inwardly panic at the choices etc. I would like to try VBAC but have the option of a speedy C section. Is this possible under the NHS - or is it all down to luck?

Would really appreciate any feedback. All I can gather is the Homerton's post care is terrible, but no more recent reviews I have been able to find.

Or if paying for the Lindo suite is worth the dosh.

Thank you!

I was a social worker at Homerton up until last January and have heard nothing but praise for the mat unit.

I had a homebirth via the Homerton team and as a doula (based about 5 mins from the Homerton) I feel like I'm in the maternity unit all the time!

I had a very positive experience myself and overall have found the team there to be very responsive in the range of situations I've seen them in while working with the couples I've supported.

The facilities are good - very new and spangly. They also have a positive commitment to labouring in water and have a range of mobile pools for the labour ward.

If you are thinking of VBAC run a search on here as there are some great support threads and links.

The www.aims.org.uk VBAC booklet is worth getting hold of too.

It is worth thinking about a doula so you can work through your last birth, discuss options for this time, have support as you labour etc. It can make a real difference to your journey.

In terms of VBAC vs. section - you'll be given an appointment to discuss your options with a consultant in advance. If you found yourself not progressing again, or the baby showed any signs of distress they are usually fairly swift to suggest a section.

Postnatal care - well, I've heard it's pretty pot luck in most places. Haven't had any experience of awful care with any of the couples I've worked with though and in fact at a birth 10 days ago I had a mother in awe of how lovely the postnatal care had been.

I can't comment on the Lindo wing as don't have experience myself.

Best of luck with your decision making. Feel free to DM me if you want to talk further.