NW London Hospitals - Queen Charlotte's, Northwick Park, Ealing

[zoobaby]

Hello, I've posted this in chat but thought I might get a few more responses over here.

I am currently in the very early stages of my first pregnancy (6 wks) and I'm running the gauntlet of emotions ranging from complete joy to sheer terror. With so much to learn, I really hope that getting the hospital decision right can potentially set me up for a smoother pregnancy.

Can anyone offer feedback/advice/information about their recent experiences at NW London hospitals, particularly Queen Charlotte's, Northwick Park and Ealing? I've done a few searches but have found nothing recent, so thought I'd ask.

Since it took so long to get an initial GP appointment, I went ahead and self-referred to Queen Charlotte's, purely because I've read good things about it. However, I live in Brent so my chances are dependent on demand (i.e. slim). My GP automatically signposted me to Northwick Park, which is apparently the only hospital available to me. Unfortunately, I'm yet to read much good about that particular establishment. Should I just accept it with good grace and go where I'm told?

I guess I want to know whether things have drastically improved and that perhaps I'm being silly to allow past events to sway my opinion. My GP was very reassuring about Northwick Park, but a little voice inside my head was saying "of course she would be, wouldn't she?".

All feedback and advice greatly appreciated.

When I lived in Brent I had 2 babies at queen charlottes and I would really recommend it. The birth etc support was brilliant. There is no option but breast feeding and the after care was not great (unless emergency and then it's brilliant) but I think this is the norm in London as population is so high.
I had my third baby in Scotland and it was a very different experience but that's another thread!
Charlottes IMO!

I had both of my babies at Queen Charlottes in the Birthing suite. The care was fantastic and even though we had moved out of the area for baby number 2, I still had him there as I wanted to go somewhere that I knew and trusted. I agree with Wentworth re after care...it is pretty hit and miss. I took cartons of formula and bottles with me for Baby 2 as I'd had trouble breastfeeding Baby 1 and no one said anything about it. I'd go for Charlottes. Good luck.

I live in Brent -had DS2 at Queen Marys in Paddington in the birth centre and cant recommend it highly enough.

I'm also a graduate of Queen Charlottes birthing suite and wholeheartedly recommend it.
I don't know about the maternity ward at Ealing (iirc they had funding for a new birthing centre a few years ago, so it might be good) but the hospital in general is pretty grim.

I've heard good things about Northwick Park recently, their birth centre looks very nice although I haven't given birth there! Breastfeeding support there is excellent.

Many thanks for all the kind ladies who took time to answer. Your info was gratefully received. Due to GP referral, I've received info from NP and I guess I'll wait and see what QC says.

Hi wondering if you chose northwick park ? As also one of the hospitals on my list but need to choose